Xiehouyu are a type of Chinese proverb consisting of a former segment that presents a novel scenario, and a latter provides the rationale thereof.
Xiehouyu are examples of anapodota, a class of rhetorical device found across different languages.
Compare English an apple a day (keeps the doctor away) and speak of the devil (and he shall appear).
The Chinese word xiehouyu may be literally translated as 'truncated witticism'.
Xiehouyu have been coined since ancient times as short, funny and figurative sentences consisting of two parts.