风流倜傥

Origin and story

In volume 5 of Ling Mengchu's Chu Ke Pai An Jing Qi, Lu Sheng is introduced as an imposing, long-bearded man with a dashing, unconventional manner. The exact expression helps sketch that character rather than telling a separate tale about how the phrase was invented. The dictionary also records its use for the Lady of Guo in Sui Tang Yan Yi, showing that literary usage was not exclusively male.

Fengliu here combines attractiveness, style, and personal flair, while titang suggests freedom from ordinary restraint. The phrase commonly praises charm and bearing, but it does not necessarily praise moral character or faithful romantic conduct.