Meaning:

    “扔” means to “throw” or “drop,” and “男友” means “boyfriend.” Contrary to its literal meaning, this term coined by Chinese netizens is a common tactic used when a girl wants to say “no” to a suitor. That is, she can just randomly mention her boyfriend in conversation so that the suitor gets the hint that she is in a relationship and does not want to get involved with someone else. Similary, a man can “drop his girlfriend” in conversation to deter another woman interested in him.

    Example:

    A: 我有个同乡，之前帮了我不少忙，上周向我表白了。我发愁怎么给他发好人卡。

    Wǒ yǒu gè tóngxiāng, zhīqián bāng le wǒ bùshǎo máng, shàngzhōu xiàng wǒ biǎobái le。Wǒ fāchóu zěnme gěi tā fā hǎorénkǎ。

    This guy from my hometown has helped me a lot. Then he suddenly told me he has a crush on me last week. I am puzzled as to how to turn him down without hurting him.

    B: 最有效的策略就是扔男友。

    Zuì yǒuxiào de cèlüè jìushì rēngnányǒu。

    The best strategy is to mention you are already in a relationship.