Western stars and their Chinese nicknames

Nicki Minaj performs "Bang Bang" during the 42nd American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California November 23, 2014.[Photo/Agencies]

Nicki Minaj: Numbing-Spicy Chicken

Sichuan dishes are characterized by the use of Szechuan peppercorn that gives the dishes an extra kick of spiciness and a numbing sensation on the diner's tongue.

It is not hard to see why Nicki Minaj's Chinese fans refer to her as 麻辣雞(ma la ji), or "Numbing Spicy Chicken".

For one reason, the term "ma la ji" sounds similar to the singer's name. Moreover. in her fans' eyes, Minaj is spicy hot, stunning to their senses and leaves them wanting more.