「三哥」這一稱呼在中文網路文化中早已成為人們對印度及印度人的一種特有稱呼，它看似幽默調侃，實際上卻有著深厚的歷史背景與文化演變過程。這個稱呼的起源可以追溯到近代中國租界時期的「紅頭阿三」現象，而後經歷語義轉化與網絡再創造，最終演變為如今流行於華語互聯網的「三哥」一詞。

在十九世紀中後期至二十世紀初，中國的上海、廣州、天津等地相繼被列強開設租界。當時英國在上海公共租界中為維持秩序，僱用了大量來自英屬印度的僱員擔任巡捕或警衛。這些印度巡捕頭綁紅色頭巾、皮膚黝黑，性格剛烈，經常受英國上司驅使以強硬手段鎮壓民眾或維持治安。由於他們動輒揮舞警棍、口音生硬且對中國百姓態度粗暴，上海市民對其十分反感，便以帶有貶意的稱呼「阿三」或「紅頭阿三」來指代這些印度巡捕——「紅頭」指他們的紅色頭巾，「阿三」則是當時對外來男性僱員的俗稱。

隨著時間推移，「阿三」一詞逐漸脫離了租界時期的具體職業含義，變成一種泛指印度人、甚至延伸至「印度特質」的文化符號。進入網絡時代後，年輕網民以戲謔口吻將「阿三」演化成更具親切又帶點揶揄意味的「三哥」。這個稱呼既不是嚴格的侮辱，也非真正的尊稱，而是一種帶有中國式幽默的「外號化」現象。網民口中的「三哥」，往往象徵著印度在國際舞台上的「古怪與可愛並存」形象——既有科技崛起與航天雄心的一面，也有社會落後、基建混亂的另一面。

之所以「三哥」這個形象會在中文社群中流行開來，除了語音簡短、易於傳播外，也與中國人長期對印度社會「又熟悉又陌生」的印象有關。媒體報導中印度常被描繪為一個充滿對比的國家——一邊是高科技城市與軟體人才的繁榮景象，另一邊則是環境髒亂、貧富懸殊與公共設施落後的現實。尤其是印度的環境與衛生問題，經常成為中國網民調侃的焦點。

印度在城市衛生與基礎設施管理方面的確存在嚴重問題。許多街區垃圾堆積、污水橫流，公共廁所數量有限且維護不善，不少地區的人們仍習慣於露天如廁。根據相關數據，印度每年產生的塑膠垃圾約達1020萬噸，位居全球前列。這樣的狀況在社交媒體上常被誇張放大，形成對「印度髒亂差」的刻板印象。此外，印度的交通問題同樣引人注目，尤其是超載火車上的「人山人海」畫面——乘客掛在車門、趴在車頂的景象，早已成為網絡上「三哥」文化的一部分。

總的來說，「三哥」這個稱呼從「紅頭阿三」的殖民歷史出發，經由中國民間語言的調侃轉化，最終在互聯網時代被賦予了新的象徵意義。它既反映出中國人對印度這個鄰國的複雜態度——既有歷史上的隔閡，也有現代的好奇與比較心理——同時也揭示了網絡文化如何將歷史詞彙重新包裝為娛樂符號。如今的「三哥」，不僅是對印度的戲稱，更是一面映照亞洲兩大文明彼此觀感的文化鏡子。

The nickname “Three Brothers” (三哥) that many Chinese netizens use to refer to India actually has deep historical and cultural roots, dating back to China’s colonial past.

The term originates from the late 19th to early 20th century during the Shanghai International Settlement era. At that time, the British colonial authorities employed large numbers of Indian men as policemen in Shanghai. These Indian policemen were often seen as loyal “enforcers” of the British authorities, tasked with maintaining order among the Chinese population. Because they usually wore red turbans and were notorious for using batons aggressively, local Chinese residents began to refer to them mockingly as “Ah San” (阿三) or “Red-Head Ah San” (紅頭阿三).

Over time, the term “Ah San” became synonymous with Indians in general, though originally it specifically referred to these colonial-era Indian policemen. In modern internet culture, especially among young Chinese netizens, “Ah San” gradually evolved into the nickname “Three Brothers” (三哥). The word “哥” (brother) was added partly in jest, to convey a tone that is half-mocking, half-familiar—similar to how online slang sometimes mixes ridicule with a sense of humor.

However, the phrase also carries stereotypes reflecting how India is perceived by many outsiders today. When Chinese netizens say “Three Brothers,” they often associate it with India’s chaotic public environment—images of dirty streets, piles of garbage, poor sanitation, and overcrowded trains frequently come to mind. India is often described as one of the “dirtiest” countries in the world, with severe hygiene issues. Public restrooms are scarce and often poorly maintained, leading many people to relieve themselves in public spaces. Moreover, India generates around 10.2 million tons of plastic waste each year, ranking among the highest in the world.

India’s trains, often packed to dangerous levels with passengers hanging from doors and roofs, have become another symbol of this image of disorder. These visible problems, coupled with economic inequality and rapid urbanization, have reinforced the “chaotic yet vibrant” stereotype of India that persists in Chinese online discourse.

Thus, “Three Brothers” is not merely a nickname—it’s a term loaded with history, cultural bias, and modern internet humor, reflecting how Chinese society views India through a blend of colonial memory and digital-age satire.