'Blind loyalty' — that’s the core meaning of yú zhōng. The first character 愚 (yú) means 'foolish' or 'unwise', suggesting a lack of critical judgment; the second, 忠 (zhōng), means 'loyalty' or 'devotion'. Together, they describe unwavering allegiance that ignores facts, ethics, or consequences — loyalty detached from reason or moral reflection. Historically, this term often appears in critiques of rigid feudal obedience, especially toward rulers or authorities who act unjustly.

In modern usage, yú zhōng carries strong negative connotations. It’s not neutral admiration but a warning label: it implies self-deception, suppression of conscience, or dangerous conformity. You’ll hear it in discussions about workplace culture, political ideology, or family dynamics where questioning authority is discouraged — and where loyalty becomes a barrier to integrity or growth.