This study explores how interpersonal ritual notions are appropriated in intercultural contact. As a case study, it is argued that the history and pragmatic features of native Chinese and Japanese heckling metalexemes amain affect how English ‘heckling’ has been integrated into these cultures. By examining the link between intercultural appropriation and metalexical history, this study sets out to underline the significance of exploring culture-particular metalexemes in intercultural inquiry on rituals and other interpersonal pragmatic phenomena.