10 Signs That You’re Now a Full Fledge Tai Tai 太太

Tai Tai 太太 is a Chinese colloquial term for a wealthy married woman who does not work.

She can be the wife of an elected leader-wife or even a head-wife of a multi-wife (polygynous / sister-wife) family.

Tai Tai has the same euphemistic value as “lady” in English, sometimes flattery, sometimes subtle insult.

The term may come to imply a wife who was “dependent on her newly rising bourgeois husband” for her consumerist lifestyle.

In the context of lifestyle, one author describes it as equivalent to the English term “ladies who lunch.”

I like the “ladies who lunch” context very much. In particularly, lunch.

In Asia, Tai Tai is the wife of affluent men who are often seen shopping at luxury boutiques and away hours at expensive cafes and restaurants.

Mind you, it is not all café and restaurants, but certain premises that are popular for the ladies to hang out. 

Is there a cultural significance of being a Tai Tai?

For those of us who grew up reading American writer and novelist Pearl S. Buck.

In her novel Three Daughters of Madame Liang, Tai Tai 太太 is used to imply a wife who was “dependent on her newly rising bourgeois husband” for her consumerist lifestyle.

Pearl Buck uses the well-known term Tai Tai 太太 to describe Madame Liang. 

How do you know that you are a full-fledged Tai Tai?

The full definition is, of course, “A lady of privileged means, with lots of leisure time and money to spend.”

Tai Tai has Lots of Leisure Time.

Tai Tai is ever-youthful. They have pale, luminously flawless smooth skin, soft hands without any signs of any wrinkles or blemish. Period.

#1 Leisure time is spent primarily to pamper herself with a great spa, massage sessions, and facial treatments.

#2 Time to exercise and pamper takes top priority to maintain a youthful lean body; Tai Tai joins the top gyms and country club for private one-on-one personal training sessions.

#3 Most Tai Tai is well-toned and eats healthily. No, they don’t eat a diet of fried foods and cheese.

A glass of good wine and some cheese to nibble are fine. Carbs make you bloat, so take heart.

#4 For a full-fledge Tai Tai of manicured and pedicured fingers and toes, you will need good shoes.

Think glass slippers, and you get the idea. It is not easy to step into their shoes.

And in random order are the coveted brand’s Alexander McQueen, Brian Atwood, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Miu Miu, Jimmy Choo, Walter Steiger, and the MICAM (which I adore).

10 Signs That You’re Now a Full Fledge Tai Tai 太太

Shh… Tai Tai

#5 Gossip.

Only the best are lucky enough to be members of this exclusive circle of women and worthy of gossip.

The ladies are often seen at upscale cafes having high tea and the juiciest gossip. Of course, they wear the latest fashion trends.

#6 A sophisticated sense of style is the prerequisite.

Tai Tai follows the latest fashion trends gleaned from reading fashion magazines. The expensive glossy kind, okay.

#7 Of course, Tai Tai has an arsenal of classy jewelry and eyewear from famous brands such as Chanel or Gucci and minimum shoes from Salvatore Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, and please, at least an Oran sandal with the iconic “H” cut-out, Hermes style.

#8 Travel is the top favorite activity where Tai Tai often heads off to the fashion capitals several times of the year.

Think “Crazy Rich Asians.” Places to visit Paris, Milan, or London for luxury buys.

#9 Top Choice for a handbag is Chanel and Louis Vuitton.

Fendi’s is a must-have for fun, and of course, Miuccia Prada’s Miu Miu bags are another must-have.

#10 Latest Tech gear is, of course, an iPhone Xs Max, no less.

Now that you know the 10 Signs That You’re Now a Full Fledge Tai Tai 太太, it’s time to make travel plans.