This section of the Chinese Slang Dictionary focuses on Internet Culture slang. Each entry includes the Chinese characters (汉字), pinyin pronunciation with tone marks, an English translation, at least one example sentence showing real usage, and cultural context explaining where the term comes from and how it is used. Terms are sorted by community popularity. Browse the full list below or use the search bar to find a specific term.
'Sea wave' refers to the trend of fluctuating popularity, often used to describe how certain topics or memes rise and fall in online culture. It captures the fast-paced nature of internet trends.
This topic is just a wave; no one will discuss it in a few days.
Translating to 'no taboos', this term describes a mindset or culture where anything can be discussed openly. It’s often used to encourage honesty and transparency in conversations.
Here, we can discuss any issue openly without taboos.
Floor price - The lowest price available for an NFT collection.
The floor price of this NFT collection has dropped to 0.1 ETH.
Scientist / Bot operator - Someone who uses bots and scripts to gain advantages in DeFi.
Scientists grabbed all the good projects again.
Literally 'burying a hint,' this term is used to describe the practice of leaving subtle clues or references, often in content creation or storytelling. It encourages audience engagement and speculation.
She left many hints in the video, and everyone is discussing them.
This term refers to a specific hair color resembling 'grandma grey,' which has become a trendy style among younger generations. It symbolizes a shift toward embracing unique, unconventional beauty standards.
Her new hair color is grandma grey, and it looks very fashionable.
Meaning 'little listener', this term is often used in podcast or live-streaming communities to refer to loyal fans or followers. It carries a friendly and endearing connotation.
Thanks to my little listeners for supporting me in making this show.
'让人窒息' means 'breathtaking' or 'suffocating' and describes a situation, experience, or aesthetic that is so stunning it leaves one speechless. It can be used both positively and negatively.
The beauty of this painting takes my breath away.
This is a playful sound that mimics a sheep's bleat and is often used at the end of sentences to add a cute or soft tone. It can express uncertainty or cuteness.
The weather is really nice today, baa~
Translating to 'have flown up', this term is used to describe a situation where something has suddenly become very popular or successful. It reflects a sense of astonishing success.
As soon as the song was released, it became very popular; everyone is listening.
Young Mistress - elevated title now widely used in customer service
Young Mistress, your bubble tea is ready for pickup.
'Fan circle' refers to the community of fans surrounding a particular celebrity or group, often involved in social media activities like voting, promoting, and discussing their idols. It signifies intense devotion and...
I joined a new fan circle, and everyone is really enthusiastic.
This slang is used to denote being 'cool' or 'awesome'. It sounds like the Chinese words for 'smooth' and is often used to compliment someone's style.
Your new hairstyle is really cool!
Meaning 'fresh and unique', this term describes something that is refreshing and stands out from the ordinary. It's often used in artistic contexts but can apply to any new and exciting ideas.
His design style is fresh and unique, making it instantly appealing.
This term translates to 'girly boy' and is used to refer to men who exhibit traits traditionally associated with femininity. While it can be used derogatorily, it has also been reclaimed by some who embrace a more flu...
He likes to wear makeup; everyone calls him a girly boy.
Translating to 'truth', this term is often used in discussions surrounding uncovering facts or realities, particularly in relation to scandals or rumors. It conveys the pursuit of deeper understanding in a situation.
Everyone is guessing; what is the truth?
Translating to 'low-key luxury,' this term describes an understated style or behavior that exudes elegance without being ostentatious. It's often used in fashion and lifestyle contexts.
Her style is low-key luxury, definitely eye-catching.
Translating to 'brain teasers', this term refers to riddles or puzzles that require lateral thinking. It emphasizes wit and cleverness.
This brain teaser is really interesting; I thought about it for a long time.
Translating as 'system crash,' this term describes an instance when something stops functioning properly, especially technology or software. It's often used humorously to describe failure or chaos.
My computer crashed again.
Literally meaning 'wind blowing,' this term is used to describe a situation that is volatile or changes rapidly, often used in discussions about trends or unpredictable events.
Trends change so quickly now; it’s truly like the wind blowing.
Meaning 'to show one's face,' this term is used to describe making an appearance, often in a social or public context. It's commonly used by influencers or content creators when referring to revealing their identity.
Today I’m going to show my face and film a video.
Translating to 'shocking', this term expresses astonishment or disbelief, often used in exaggerated contexts online, especially in reaction to surprising news or events.
This news is truly shocking; I can’t believe it at all.
Translates to 'divine reversal'. It describes an unexpected plot twist or change in events, usually in storytelling or everyday life.
The divine reversal in this story was completely unexpected.
Meaning 'supremacy doctrine,' this term is used to define a mindset or belief that one idea or value is superior to others, often applied in discussions about preferences in fashion, food, or lifestyle choices. It's c...
His coffee supremacy attitude is quite frustrating.
Literally means 'brainwashing song.' This term describes a catchy song or tune that gets stuck in your head, regardless of whether you like it or not. It often describes viral songs that become popular in short spans.
This song is really a brainwashing song; once I hear it, I can't stop.
Meaning 'that's right' or 'no doubt,' this term is used to express agreement or affirmation, often humorously to emphasize a point. It's very common in discussions across social media.
You’re right; this method is indeed effective.
Translating to 'to open the door and see the mountain,' this idiom means to get straight to the point. It reflects a preference for clear, direct communication.
Let's get straight to the point and discuss the collaboration.
Literally 'brain hole,' this term refers to a sudden burst of creative or outrageous ideas. It's often used in contexts where someone shares wild theories or imaginative concepts, particularly in fandoms.
His imagination is just too wild!
Translating to 'open brain hole,' this term means to think imaginatively or creatively, often leading to absurd or humorous ideas.
This topic is so interesting; everyone, let’s start thinking creatively!
Translating to 'explode', this term is used to describe something that is incredibly exciting or impressive, often in the context of events or performances. It reflects a strong sense of liveliness and enthusiasm.
This performance is simply explosive! The audience went wild.
Translating to 'mortal cultivates immortality,' this phrase is often used humorously to describe someone striving for greatness or enlightenment, often in a way that seems unrealistic or overly ambitious.
He has been studying those books about mortals cultivating immortality.
Voldemort / He Who Must Not Be Named — used to refer to a person, brand, or topic that is too sensitive or taboo to name openly. Also used humorously for exes, rivals, or anyone someone refuses to acknowledge. The cen...
That account is Voldemort — everyone knows but nobody says the name.
This term means 'water' but is often used in internet slang to describe something that lacks substance or depth, such as a low-quality article or superficial content. It implies a negative assessment.
This article is very shallow and has no substantial content.
Altcoin / Knockoff coin - Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.
Altcoins are very risky, be careful of going to zero.
Wherever there are people, there is jianghu. This famous line captures the idea that politics, rivalry, and social dynamics are inescapable wherever humans gather — at work, online, in friend groups, everywhere.
I thought changing jobs would let me escape drama — but wherever there are people, there is jianghu.
Translating to 'political correctness', this term is used to refer to language, policies, or measures intended to avoid offense to groups of people. It often appears in discussions about social justice.
This article is too politically correct; it lost its humor.
Translating to 'small screen,' this term refers to mobile devices or content viewed on smartphones, especially when comparing to traditional TV. It highlights the shift in how people consume media.
I prefer watching videos on the small screen.
Meaning 'heat wave', but in internet slang, it describes an overwhelming wave of excitement or popularity about something, like a trending topic or viral content.
This topic has created a heat wave across the entire internet.
Literally 'Douyin brainwashing,' this term describes catchy content or trends on the Douyin platform that get stuck in one’s head, often referring to repetitive songs or memes.
I’ve watched this catchy Douyin video many times.
Translating to 'money-making', this term refers to schemes or tactics designed purely for profit, often with a negative connotation. It reflects a sense of caution against opportunistic behaviors, especially in business.
The goal of this project is just to make money without any real value.
Translating to 'chasing trends', this term refers to individuals who actively seek to keep up with the latest fashions or fads, often to fit in with peers.
She always chases trends and never falls behind.
Translating to 'reverse interpretation', this term refers to the practice of interpreting something in a way that is opposite to its intended meaning. It is often used in discussions about media, art, or social commen...
The reverse interpretation of this film gave me a new understanding of it.
Meaning 'variety show star', this term refers to celebrities or personalities who are especially known for their appearances on entertainment shows. It reflects the blurring lines between traditional celebrity and soc...
He became popular through variety shows, and his fans really like him.
This term means 'little white' but is often used to describe someone who is a novice or inexperienced in a specific field or activity, similar to a newbie. It conveys a sense of innocence and lack of knowledge.
I’m still a newbie in this game.
Literally 'social networking site', this term refers to platforms like Weibo, Douyin, or WeChat. It underscores the importance of online interaction in contemporary life, emphasizing how these platforms facilitate con...
I share my life every day on social networking sites.
Meaning 'to unsubscribe' or 'unfollow,' this term is commonly used on social media platforms to indicate stopping following someone or removing connections.
I'm not interested in his new updates, so I decided to unfollow.
This term literally means 'to drive', but in internet slang, it refers to sharing or discussing implicitly adult or risqué content. It is often used with humor, indicating someone is about to 'drive' into a more matur...
Tonight's livestream is a bit risqué, are you ready?
Zhen Huan writing style - describing modern life in classical imperial Chinese
This Palace intends to venture to the western market to procure supplies for future use. (i.e., I'm going grocery shopping.)
An abbreviation that stands for '9-9-6 means you will end up in the ICU', this term is a critique of the extreme work culture represented by the 996 schedule and highlights its toll on health. It's a rallying cry for ...
Many people are opposing the 996.ICU culture.
Literally meaning 'ride the wind and break the waves,' this phrase conveys determination and courage in overcoming difficulties. Popularized by inspirational quotes and trending in motivational contexts.
On the path to pursuing our dreams, we must ride the wind and break the waves.
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