The phrase "cut sleeves" in Chinese is "断袖" (duàn xiù). This term originates from a historical story about the relationship between Emperor Ai of Han and his favorite, Dong Xian. One morning, rather than disturbing Dong Xian who was asleep on his sleeve, the emperor cut off his own sleeve to get up. The phrase "断袖之癖" (duàn xiù zhī pǐ) has since been used as a metaphor for male same-sex love.


















