Why is mahjong called sparrow in Cantonese?

麻雀 means sparrow. Players say tiles sound like chattering sparrows, but the origin is not proven.

What is the oldest written use of the name?

A Shen Bao report of 1884 is the earliest direct link found to the game.

What is printed on this tee?

The Sparrow Tile tile, in our original engraved art.

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Heritage Mah Jongg Tee - The Sparrow Tile

$38.00 USD

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Does mahjong really mean sparrow? In Cantonese, yes. The word 麻雀 means sparrow, and players say the sound of washed tiles is the reason.

Wear the bird that gave the game its name. This tee shows the old One Bamboo drawn as a peacock on a stalk of bamboo, in jade, indigo and vermilion, and it opens a good conversation at any table.

麻雀 is read maa zoek in Cantonese, which, like Hokkien, kept the older name. Mandarin's 麻將 came later. A Shen Bao report of 1884 is the earliest direct written link to the game, and 麻將 does not appear until 1913.

The chatter of sparrows is a charming explanation, though no period source proves it. Old reports do use bird-hunting verbs, drive off the sparrows and snatch the sparrows, for playing. So the next time someone says the tiles sound like birds, you can agree, and add that she may also be right about the hunting.

Ring-spun cotton at 6.1 oz with a garment-dyed finish, relaxed fit and a broad choice of soft colors. See the table for sizes. Cold wash, no bleach, tumble dry low. Iron low, avoiding the art, and do not dry clean.

	S	M	L	XL	2XL
Width, in	18.25	20.25	22.00	24.00	26.00
Length, in	26.62	28.00	29.37	30.75	31.62
Sleeve length from center back, in	16.25	17.75	19.00	20.50	21.75
Size tolerance, in	1.50	1.50	1.50	1.50	1.50

QUICK FACTS — MAH JONGG TEE — THE SPARROW TILE

Series: Heritage Mah Jongg, from The Mah Jongg Collection

Design: The Sparrow Tile — the One Bamboo sparrow tile, drawn in the engraved style of an old set, printed artwork

Blank: 6.1 oz ring-spun cotton tee, garment-dyed, relaxed fit

Care: cold wash, no bleach, tumble dry low, iron low away from the art, no dry cleaning

Colors: 9 offered

Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Made to order in the USA

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Product FAQs

How does your sizing work?

Every item is made to order, so please check the size chart on this page before you buy. Women's fitted tees run small; size up for a looser fit. Caps are one size with an adjustable strap.

How are items made and when will they arrive?

We make each item to order using premium blanks, embroidery and soft-hand prints. Production takes 2-5 business days (weekends and holidays excluded), then 4-10 days in transit via USPS, UPS or FedEx to U.S. addresses; most orders arrive within 6-15 business days. You'll get a tracking link the moment it ships. Any current shipping offer is shown in the bar at the top of every page and applies automatically at checkout, no code needed.

How do I send a gift?

Enter the recipient's address as the shipping address and your own as the billing address at checkout. Nothing ships with a price; the package includes a plain packing slip. Tracking goes to your email, not theirs. For birthdays and holidays, order two weeks ahead to be safe.

What's the return policy?

Made-to-order items can't be returned or exchanged for size or color, so please use the size chart and photos before ordering. If anything arrives defective, misprinted or damaged, send a photo and your order number within 30 days and we'll replace it or refund you.

How do I care for my item?

Apparel: wash cold, inside out, with like colors; no bleach; tumble dry low or hang dry. Embroidered pieces: iron inside out to protect the stitching. Caps: spot clean. Printed glasses and water bottles: hand wash only, no dishwasher, so the artwork lasts. Mugs and engraved glasses are dishwasher safe. Any item-specific care notes are in the description above.

Who makes this?

Merlin Classics is a small Connecticut brand making original retro designs for the towns people love. Every piece is printed, embroidered or engraved to order in the USA, and the business supports hunger relief in the communities our collections celebrate.