• The Mandarin term “阿明阿莲” originated from the terms ah beng and ah lian in Hokkien.
• “阿明阿莲” like going after branded goods, dress flamboyantly, and often sport tattoos.
• They have their own way of living, marked by fierce loyalty to their tribe.
• They are willing to put themselves at risk, including jeopardising their own lives, for their friends.
• They usually speak in a mix of Mandarin, English and Chinese dialects.

Not everyone who comes for the shows is an art connoisseur. There are also housewives and Ah Bengs and Ah Lians. But as long as they’ve paid to see the show, they’re entitled to voice their views. You can’t say, “Oh, you’re not an expert. You don’t understand it.” (Lianhe Zaobao, 7/7/1999)