Explanation of"貌哨 (Maoshao)" in Dunhuang Literature

貌哨 (Maoshao),a word in Dunhuang literature,only appeared later in Wufuyouqianshi (When Iam rich) which was a poem written by Wang Fanzhi.However,there have been different views about its explanation.Based on ancient Chinese literature and classics,the author makes a new explanation about the word by combining materials of phonology,dialect,Chinese coinage and character exegesis.Its meaning and etymology were discussed in detail from standard dialect,regional dialect and ancient Chinese.It is concluded that貌哨 (Maoshao)does not mean貌魈 (Maoxiao)that means ugly appearance.It was an oral colloquial word in the period of the Sui and Tang Dynasty whose original meaning wasirregular features.This meaning was extended to incorrect attitudethatwas notpleasing to the eye.In poetry,itmeantthatwhose wife and children were indifferent to him.