Xiaozi (小资) became a popular word of urban fashion at the turn of the century. It may be translated pretty Bourgeoisie. It symbolizes a new change of Chinese social class and its advancement to a business society.

Xiaozi (小资) is a short form of xiao ziben zhuyi (小资本主义). Thirty years ago, ziben zhuyi(资本主义) is related to something evil and decadent, which is in opposition to the peasants, the major force of the social class. Its negative implication did not disappear until 1980s. Later, with the emergence of urban class, such as bailing (白领) white-collar professionals, xiaozi then got another meaning.

What’s the meaning of xiaozi? Just like the often-mentioned term zhongchan (中产, namely middle class ), it is quite ambiguous in China. Xiaozi may cover a similar group composed of