Emotional cheating
With China's divorce rate rising in recent years, chugui – meaning cheating on one's partner – is often discussed, with some exclaiming that loyal, exclusive marriages are becoming rarer by the day. Wei chugui (micro-cheating) is the new it-term. It refers to a form of cheating which is not sexual in nature, but is a subtle betrayal of the heart.
With “wei” meaning micro, and “chugui” literally derail, wei chugui is derived from an old Chinese metaphor that casts cheating on one's partner as resembling a train which has run off its tracks.
No one can say exactly where the term came from or how it achieved popularity, but it has prompted many online to contribute to a growing list of behaviors which constitute wei chugui. Maybe you posted a selfie online in the hope that a certain person – not your partner – would see it and “like” it. Perhaps you posted about your bad day hoping to elicit a response from that person. You might even spend excessive amounts of time talking to them on the phone or online.
Some joke that few people worldwide could be said to be loyal to their partner based on those criteria. However, some relationship experts say these behaviors set off alarm bells. Wei chugui could very well transform into real chugui if not controlled. And so the list is considered a good starting point for self-reflection by those who are wondering if their relationship is at risk.