[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Sequence # 丑 chǒu ugly; clown ## Components [[一 (yī)]] [[二 (èr)]] [[刀 (dāo)]] ## Meaning The Chinese character 丑 (chǒu) has several meanings: 1. **Ugly, unattractive**: It is used to describe someone or something that is visually unappealing. 2. **Clown, buffoon**: It can refer to a person who behaves in a foolish or silly manner. 3. **Second Earthly Branch**: In the Chinese zodiac, 丑 (chǒu) is the second of the twelve Earthly Branches and corresponds to the sign of the Ox. 4. **Second of the twelve Earthly Stems**: In the traditional Chinese calendar, 丑 (chǒu) is the second of the twelve Earthly Stems. Additionally, 丑 (chǒu) is used in various compound words and phrases, giving meanings related to its different usages. ## Evolution The Chinese character 丑 (chǒu) has a long history dating back to ancient times. In its earliest form, seen in the Oracle Bone Script, 丑 depicted a person with an ugly appearance, often with a grotesque or distorted face. During the Zhou Dynasty, the character evolved into a more stylized representation in the Bronze Inscription Script, but its basic meaning of "ugly" or "unattractive" remained. In the Seal Script of the Qin Dynasty, 丑 became more angular and simplified. Further simplification occurred during the Han Dynasty in the Clerical Script, making 丑 more recognizable as the character used today. In modern Regular Script, 丑 is further standardized, maintaining its basic structure from the Clerical Script. Throughout its evolution, 丑 has retained its fundamental meanings of "ugly" or "unattractive." Additionally, it gained significance as the second of the twelve Earthly Branches in the Chinese zodiac and the traditional Chinese calendar. ### Oracular Script ![[丑 chǒu - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[丑 chǒu - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[丑 chǒu - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[丑 chǒu - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[丑 chǒu - reg.svg]]