Pseudo-model

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|quote = It doesn't matter if she has done any modelling before. What matters is the willingness to display her body - not limited to her cleavage. When a leng mo bends forward in her deep-V tops, she doesn't see the need to use her hands to cover her bosom.

|source = Jacqueline Pang,
writing in The Standard

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Leng mo is a neologism derived from Cantonese slang to describe teenage models without formal training in modeling. The word leng1 (𡃁),[https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/characters/8573/ 𡃁 (leng1 | ) : little girl or boy - CantoDict] written alternatively as "o靚" or "口靚", means "young" or "lacking in maturity" in Cantonese.{{cn|date=March 2025}} It is used mainly in Hong Kong and does not exist in Putonghua.Edu.singtao.com. "[http://edu.singtao.com/chi-s/article_details.asp?article_id=1024&catid_str=1,8,16 普通話速遞：也談「口靚模」". Sing Tao Daily News Retrieved on 21 December 2009.]{{dead link|date=January 2021}} "Mo (模)"[https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/characters/2314/模 (mou4 | mo2 mu2) : model; imitate; mould - CantoDict] simply means "model". The addition of leng to "model" acts as a diminutive, so for example, in English, a similar construction would be the addition of "-ette" to "model" to give "modelette".

The English characterisation of leng mo as pseudo-models first appeared in the South China Morning Post in a story by reporter Vivienne Chow.Chow, Vivienne. (13 July 2009) "30,000 call for 'models' to be banned from book fair", South China Morning Post. According to a Hong Kong TV and radio host Jacqueline Pang the typical leng mo is a teenage girl who is prepared to dress (and undress) and "show off her hot body at public functions in a way that, in previous years, could only be seen in adult magazines".Pang, Jacqueline (29 June 2009) [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=84083&sid=24385431&con_type=1&d_str=20090629&sear_year=2009 "At least I don't need to flash cleavage"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629183448/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=84083&sid=24385431&con_type=1&d_str=20090629&sear_year=2009 |date=29 June 2011 }}, The Standard According to The Standard, {{nowrap|leng mo}} was the most popular new term in Hong Kong in 2009.[http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=92514&sid=26566665&con_type=1&d_str=20091231&sear_year=2009 "Teen model tickles us pink all year"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629183537/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=92514&sid=26566665&con_type=1&d_str=20091231&sear_year=2009 |date=29 June 2011 }}, 31 December 2009

During the late 1980s, Hong Kong's modeling industry produced many professional and "proper" models, such as Janet Ma (馬詩慧) and Sophia Kao (aka QiQi 琦琦).Eastweek magazine vol 308. 22 July 2009 issue. p 82-90.

But in the early 2000s, leng mo gradually rose to prominence due primarily to negative media attention. Instead of performing catwalk shows for high fashion, they are hostesses at shows and exhibitions,{{cn|date=March 2025}} particularly those promoting video games and electronic products. They soon accrued a large fanbase consisting mainly of young otaku men.[http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/template/apple/art_main.php?iss_id=20090705&sec_id=4104&art_id=12952834 "𡃁模跟職業模特兒 市場不同"], Apple Daily (5 July 2009). Retrieved on 21 December 2009.

Many have now issued photograph albums, which are launched at book fairs and sold at news stands. These have been generally criticised as "low-class" and "inappropriate". Public figures, notably pundit Chip Tsao, said: "allowing these vulgar photo books to be sold in the book fair reflects a wide spread of stupidity in Hong Kong".Lau, Nickkita (24 July 2009). [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=36&art_id=85294&sid=24683312&con_type=3&d_str=20090724&sear_year=2009 "Cute & controversial"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629183340/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=36&art_id=85294&sid=24683312&con_type=3&d_str=20090724&sear_year=2009 |date=29 June 2011 }}, The Standard

Some web groups such as "public culture protection groups" (公共文化活動關注組) are opposed to the models making appearances in certain places. In July 2009, they complained against the models' appearance at the annual Hong Kong Book Fair and caused a media stir.On.cc. "[http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20090717/00410_002.html 關注組澄清非針對（口靚）模]." Retrieved on 21 December 2009. Sun.on.cc More than 30,000 signatures were gathered in an online petition against the models.Moy, Patsy (15 July 2009). [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=84851&sid=24568241&con_type=1&d_str=20090715&sear_year=2009 "Teen models face backlash"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629183719/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=84851&sid=24568241&con_type=1&d_str=20090715&sear_year=2009 |date=29 June 2011 }}, The Standard[http://www.singpao.com/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=33361&Liang=tc "口靚模殺入書展 爆發衝突 反對派譏賣肉 支持者斥偏激."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611222002/http://www.singpao.com/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsID=33361&Liang=tc |date=11 June 2011 }}. Sing Pao Retrieved on 21 December 2009. Already mindful about potential disruption to the fair, organisers Hong Kong Trade Development Council dedicated a remote area for those autograph sessions in 2009.

Citing numerous complaints from the previous year, the Trade Development Corporation decided to ban the promotion of leng mo photograph collections at the 2010 Book Fair. They said that they wanted to minimise disruption caused by the presence of these girls publicising their books.Chow, Vivienne (24 June 2010), "Too hot to handle - Book Fair organisers ban pseudo-models" South China Morning Post The decision was welcomed by 22 parent-teacher groups,Yau, Thomas & Cheng, Carrie (2 July 2010). [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=36&art_id=99985&sid=28780303&con_type=3&d_str=20100702&sear_year=2010 "Enough is enough"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629183750/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=36&art_id=99985&sid=28780303&con_type=3&d_str=20100702&sear_year=2010 |date=29 June 2011 }}, The Standard

Chip Tsao, and Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong.{{cite web|url=https://www.dramasian.com/threads/anthony-wong-scolds-chrissie-chau-is-brainless.60064/|title=Anthony Wong Scolds Chrissie Chau is Brainless|website=Dramasian: Asian Entertainment News|date=4 July 2010|author=Mingpao|translator=KaY_xD}} Publishers and the models objected, and many stationed themselves outside the book fair venue, holding autograph sessions. Saying that the organisers could not bar them from entering the exhibition hall, some of the girls challenged the organisers by entering the book fair venue in their capacity as ordinary members of the public.[http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=100775&sid=28967112&con_type=1&d_str=20100721&sear_year=2010 "Models won't catch council with its pants down"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629183733/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=21&art_id=100775&sid=28967112&con_type=1&d_str=20100721&sear_year=2010 |date=29 June 2011 }} 21 July 2010, The Standard The organisers' attempt to contain the exploits of the leng mo did not succeed from taking away the attention on them.Chan, Samuel (22 July 2010). [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=100834&sid=28984111&con_type=3&d_str=20100722&sear_year=2010 "Pretty chaotic"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629184531/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=100834&sid=28984111&con_type=3&d_str=20100722&sear_year=2010 |date=29 June 2011 }}, The Standard

Following the ban on promotions at the Book Fair, organisers of the annual Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong also decided to ban pseudo-models from taking part in promotions within their salon. Microsoft, which had engaged Chrissie Chau and Jessica C, was informed that the girls only be allowed to enter the event as visitors, and that promotions must only be held at designated areas "in order to avoid chaos and to ensure visitors' safety".Yu, Rebecca (28 July 2010). [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=101063&sid=29046129&con_type=1&d_str=20100728&sear_year=2010 "'No comic capers' warning as teen models draw another ban"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629184601/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=101063&sid=29046129&con_type=1&d_str=20100728&sear_year=2010 |date=29 June 2011 }}, The Standard

• Chrissie Chau (周秀娜)

{{Reflist|30em}}

• Central Station (2 July 2010). [https://web.archive.org/web/20110629184314/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=36&art_id=99984&sid=28780304&con_type=1&d_str=20100702&sear_year=2010 "Sex and the city"], The Standard, Hong Kong.

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Category:Culture of Hong Kong

Category:Hong Kong models