'Xiā shuō' literally combines 'xiā' (blind) and 'shuō' (to speak), evoking the image of speaking without seeing — i.e., speaking without knowledge, logic, or basis. It carries a strong connotation of irrationality, falsehood, or absurdity, often implying the speaker is uninformed, careless, or deliberately misleading. Unlike neutral terms like 'shuō huà' (to speak), 'xiā shuō' is inherently pejorative and judgmental.

This expression is commonly used in informal spoken Mandarin to dismiss or criticize unfounded claims — especially those made hastily, emotionally, or without evidence. It frequently appears in arguments, online debates, or casual reprimands ('Don’t just xiā shuō!'). While it can be humorous among friends, it’s generally impolite in formal or respectful contexts, such as addressing elders or professionals. The word emphasizes lack of grounding rather than mere exaggeration or error — it’s about speaking from ignorance, not misunderstanding.