renao [ren-ah-oh], adj
From Mandarin. This word literally means "hot" but includes the additional meanings of "noisy," "making noise," and "stirring up trouble." Not overlaid with negative connotation, in China the term is a positive, implying "lively, festive, happy, noisy" - especially noisy! The Chinese do not have the same response to noise as Westerners, and are even attracted by it, which explains the loud music in stores and restaurants, as well as the very renao practice of setting off firecrackers. The Chinese like to live close together, and enjoy the excitement of a city, which is also very renao.
from In Other Words by Christopher J. Moore