‘丑闻’ (chǒu wén) literally combines ‘丑’ (chǒu), meaning ‘ugly’, ‘shameful’, or ‘disgraceful’, and ‘闻’ (wén), meaning ‘news’ or ‘report’. Together, they form a compound noun meaning ‘scandal’ — an event or revelation that causes public shame, embarrassment, or moral outrage. Unlike neutral terms for ‘news’ (e.g., 新闻), 丑闻 carries strong negative connotations and implies wrongdoing, hypocrisy, or violation of social or ethical norms.

This word is commonly used in media, politics, business, and celebrity contexts — for instance, when a public figure is exposed for corruption, fraud, or unethical behavior. It often appears in headlines, news reports, and formal commentary. While it can describe personal misconduct, it typically refers to incidents with broader social impact or public interest. The tone is formal and critical; it’s rarely used lightly or humorously.