背锅

• Pinyin: bèi guō
• Hanzi breakdown: 背 (carry on back) + 锅 (pot) -> carry the blame.

Meaning

To take blame for a mistake, especially unfairly.

It is common in work, school projects, and online disputes. The person 背锅 carries responsibility like a heavy pot on their back.

Examples

1. 这个错误不该让实习生背锅。 The intern should not be made to take the blame for this mistake.
2. 流程没写清，最后我来背锅。 The process wasn't written clearly, so I ended up taking the blame.
3. 别急着找人背锅，先解决问题。 Don't rush to find someone to blame; solve the problem first.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, group chats, social media

Tone: unfair, critical

Do Say

• 替团队扛错时说我背锅了。（Use it for taking blame.）

Don't Say

• 把应负责任说成被迫背锅。（Do not dodge real accountability.）

Common Mistakes

• Confusing it with 甩锅; 背锅 receives blame, 甩锅 shifts it away.

Origin & History

From the image of carrying a black pot, historically associated with blame.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s-2020s

Generation: Gen Z, Millennials, and mainstream internet users

Social background: Urban students, workers, and online communities

Regional notes: A core workplace and internet-conflict phrase about accountability.