‘僻俗’ refers to crude, backward, or superstitious local customs that are often found in remote or underdeveloped areas. The character 僻 (pì) means ‘remote’, ‘secluded’, or ‘out-of-the-way’, while 俗 (sú) means ‘custom’, ‘folk practice’, or ‘common usage’. Together, they emphasize traditions that have remained isolated from mainstream modern society—often involving outdated beliefs, ritualistic practices, or socially harmful habits.

This term carries a distinctly negative, judgmental tone and is commonly used in sociological, journalistic, or policy-related discourse to critique regional practices that conflict with law, science, or human rights standards. It is not neutral: calling something ‘僻俗’ implies it needs reform or elimination. You’ll rarely hear it in casual speech; instead, it appears in formal writing or public education campaigns addressing rural development, gender equality, or public health.