Recently, Chow Tai Fook sparked online debate with the launch of a gold pendant named ‘Ox-Horse.’ The design combines elements of an ox and a horse, originally intended to symbolize the traditional Chinese virtues of diligence, resilience, and hard work—qualities often associated with these animals in folklore. However, in contemporary workplace slang, the term ‘ox-horse’ (niu ma) has taken on a sarcastic, self-deprecating meaning among young professionals, describing overworked employees who toil endlessly like beasts of burden. Many netizens interpreted the pendant as a subtle jab—or ‘yin-yang’ mockery—at the struggles of modern ‘corporate slaves.’ In response, Chow Tai Fook clarified that the design was inspired by positive cultural symbolism and carried no intent to offend. The brand pointed out that historically, both oxen and horses represented auspicious traits: the ox for its role in agriculture and the horse for loyalty and ambition. Despite this explanation, the controversy highlights how evolving language and social sentiment can reshape the perception of traditional symbols. It also serves as a reminder for brands to carefully consider contemporary context when drawing from cultural heritage in product design.
近日，周大福推出的一款名为“牛马”的黄金吊坠引发网络热议。该吊坠设计融合了牛与马的元素，本意是取“牛马精神”——象征勤劳、坚韧与奋斗的传统寓意。然而，在当代职场语境下，“牛马”一词在网络流行语中常被用作自嘲，形容打工人像牛一样任劳任怨、如马一般奔波劳碌，带有明显的无奈与讽刺意味。因此，不少网友质疑该产品是在‘阴阳’打工人，借传统文化之名行调侃现实之实。面对争议，周大福方面回应称，设计初衷源于对中华传统吉祥文化的致敬，并无冒犯之意。品牌强调，“牛马”在古代确有积极含义，如《诗经》中便有“服田力穑，乃亦有秋”的耕牛意象，而马则代表进取与忠诚。尽管如此，公众对语言语境变迁的敏感仍使该产品陷入舆论漩涡。此事也反映出品牌在文化符号运用时需更深入理解当代社会情绪，避免因语义错位引发误解。
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