In our daily life, some words may sound a little "harsh", but they contain a deep cultural heritage, and "dross" is one of them. Oh, by the way, it's not "zāo bó", it's supposed to be "zāo pò".
Now, let's explore the story behind the "dross" and how it has taken its place in our language.
First, let's explain the original meaning of the word "dross". It is derived from the sake brewing process and refers to the sake lees left over after sake brewing.
Here, "dregs" refers to the dregs that settle at the bottom of the jar, and those that float in the jar are called "dregs". Taken together, "dross" is the "waste" that is screened out during the brewing process.
However, the term "dross" is not limited to the context of winemaking. It can also be used to refer to the waste left over from food after digestion and absorption, or the poorer parts of food.
Imagine that after a hearty meal, those parts that are difficult to digest and "discarded" by the body are what we call "dross".
More interestingly, "dross" is also used as a metaphor to describe the parts of things that are bad, worthless, harmful, useless, or rotten.
It's like mixing some counterfeit products into a pile of treasures, and we need to be discerning in order to weed out these "dross" and find the real treasure.
Speaking of treasures, it reminds me of a saying that the ancients often said: "What is passed on from dross is not pure beauty, but it is difficult to write about the spirit." This sentence uses "dross" as a contrast, emphasizing that true beauty is not only external, but also internal and spiritual.
Just like a painting, no matter how delicate the brushstrokes are and how bright the colors are, if it lacks soul and deep meaning, it can only be regarded as a formal beauty, and it is difficult to touch people's hearts.
Now, do you have a deeper understanding of the word "dross"? It is not just the waste of winemaking, it is not just the residue of food, it is a metaphor, a judgment of the value of things.
In our lives, we need to learn to distinguish the "dross", to separate the false from the true, and to find those things that are truly valuable and have a spiritual core.
So, the next time you hear the word "dross," think about the meaning behind it.
You may find that in this seemingly "harsh" word, there is our pursuit of a better life and deep thinking about value. And this treasure hunt about "dross" will also become an unforgettable experience in your life's journey.
Finally, let us remember that "dross" is not the end, but the starting point for us to distinguish between truth and falsehood and pursue beauty. In this world full of "dross" and treasures, may we all become smart "treasure hunters" and find our own true value.