When combined, the repetition of `做作 (zuòzuo)` creates a powerful emphasis on the *act of acting*. It's like saying someone is “doing a doing” or “acting an act.” This highlights the deliberate, constructed, and therefore unnatural quality of the behavior, pointing out that it is a performance, not a reality.
In Chinese culture, authenticity (真诚 - zhēnchéng) and naturalness (自然 - zìrán) are highly prized social virtues. Being labeled `做作` is a significant social critique. It implies that a person is not trustworthy because their outward presentation doesn't match their inner self. A useful comparison in Western culture is the concept of being “theatrical” or “melodramatic.” However, there's a key difference. In the West, a theatrical personality can sometimes be seen as quirky, expressive, or entertaining. In China, `做作` is almost exclusively negative. It suggests a calculated attempt to manipulate others' perceptions, whether to gain sympathy, appear more sophisticated, or get attention. This is seen as a character flaw that disrupts social harmony, which is based on predictable and sincere interactions. Calling someone `做作` is a way of saying they are breaking this unwritten social contract of authenticity.
`做作` is a very common word used in everyday conversation, especially among younger generations, and on social media. Its connotation is always negative.