brainwash

/ˈbreɪn.wɒʃ/ Chinese Origin Politics

Original Word

洗脑

Mandarin (xǐ nǎo)

Entered English

1950s

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "brainwash"

Calque from Mandarin 'xǐ nǎo' (洗脑), literally 'wash brain'. The term gained popularity during the Korean War (1950-53) to describe the alleged ideological re-education of prisoners.

Example Usage

"Some people believe the media tries to brainwash viewers."

All Chinese Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

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