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.
Meaning 'pause', this term is used in digital contexts to indicate stopping an action or taking a break, particularly in gaming or streaming. It’s often used humorously to suggest taking a moment to think or react.
Wait a minute, I need to pause and check out this video.
This idiom literally means 'the wool comes from the sheep', implying that benefits or profits ultimately come from the consumer. It’s often used humorously to describe promotions or discounts.
This buy-one-get-one-free deal ultimately costs the sheep.
Meme / Running joke - An inside joke or internet meme.
This meme is too old.
Translating to 'the number one in the universe,' this term is often exaggeratedly used to describe something or someone that is exceptional or unmatched. It shows enthusiasm and admiration.
This outfit is truly the best in the universe!
Meaning 'invincible', this term is often used in exaggerated contexts to describe someone or something that is unbeatable or has no competition. It conveys admiration or enthusiasm.
This game is truly invincible; I can't stop playing it once I start.
Translating to 'online and offline,' this term refers to activities that occur in both the digital space and physical world. It underscores a lifestyle where individuals maintain connections across both realms, often ...
My social life balances both online and offline, with friends spread across various places.
This informal term means 'really awesome' or 'super cool', expressing strong positive feelings toward something. It’s commonly used by younger people to emphasize enthusiasm.
This game is really awesome!
Using cheats / OP - Being unrealistically good, like using game hacks.
Is he cheating? How is he so good?
This term literally translates to 'soul chicken soup' and refers to motivational quotes meant to uplift spirits. It's often used sarcastically to mock clichés.
I think this soul chicken soup is really not nutritious.
Translating to 'main theme', this term refers to the dominant narrative or trend in society, often used in political or cultural discussions. It highlights the prevailing ideas or sentiments shaping public opinion.
The current main theme in society is calling for more inclusivity and understanding.
Literally translated as 'hardcore culture', this term refers to a subculture that involves deep passion and dedication, often in niche areas like gaming or fandoms. It suggests a level of commitment and expertise.
He’s a hardcore culture enthusiast; he knows everything.
Meaning 'sitting and waiting', this term describes the act of waiting passively for something to happen, often used humorously in contexts where people are eagerly anticipating an outcome.
Regarding the outcome of the game, all I can do is sit and wait.
This term means 'internet celebrity selling goods' and refers to the trend of online influencers promoting products, highlighting the influence of social media on shopping.
Nowadays, many young people prefer to shop through internet celebrities selling goods.
Translating to 'evaluation', this term refers to the assessment or review of products or services, commonly used in the context of tech reviews or product feedback.
The review of this phone is very good; I want to buy it.
Translating to 'extremely resonant', it describes something that strongly connects with one’s feelings or experiences, often used in cultural discussions.
This song really resonates with me; it brings back many memories.
This term means 'slippery fingers' and is used to indicate accidentally posting something online, usually when one meant to do the opposite. It often comes with a humorous or light-hearted connotation.
I just accidentally posted the wrong photo, how embarrassing.
This phrase literally means 'brushing up one's sense of presence.' It refers to the act of trying to gain attention or make oneself noticed in a group or online environment, often through frequent posting or commentin...
He always sends a lot of messages in the group just to brush up his sense of presence.
Literally meaning 'salt selection', this term refers to curated or premium content that is of high quality. It's often used to promote exclusive or valuable information on social media platforms.
I've been watching some premium videos lately, and the content is really great.
Means 'pretend master.' It refers to someone who pretends to be an expert or knowledgeable in a certain area but lacks real expertise. This term often highlights the gap between appearance and reality in the online wo...
On the forum, there are many comments from pretend masters, everyone should be cautious.
Translating to 'squeeze,' this term is often used in the context of taking advantage of someone's abilities or labor, especially in work environments. It implies exploitation or overworking.
This company always exploits its employees.
Cyberpunk refers to a subgenre of science fiction that features advanced technology juxtaposed with societal decay. It's commonly used to describe a futuristic aesthetic or lifestyle, especially on social media, refle...
Today I wore a full cyberpunk outfit, feeling really cool.
This term refers to a 'Buddhist-style' approach to work, where one maintains a laid-back, stress-free attitude, regardless of challenges. It's often used to comment on a relaxed work ethic, where results are secondary...
In the company, everyone is working in a Buddhist way; no one works overtime.
This term translates to 'internet slang' and refers to the trendy phrases and expressions circulating online. It encompasses a variety of expressions that resonate with internet culture and social media trends.
On Weibo, many people love to use internet slang to express their feelings.
Meaning 'nostalgia', this term is often used to describe fond memories of the past, especially relating to music, movies, and cultural phenomena from one's youth. It taps into the sentimental feeling of longing for si...
This song fills me with nostalgia.
This phrase means 'to grit one's teeth and go through with something', often despite fear or hesitation. It's about facing challenges head-on.
Even though I was very nervous, I gritted my teeth and went through with the speech.
Literally 'super burning,' this expression is used to describe something extremely exciting or intense, especially in sports or entertainment contexts. It reflects a culture of enthusiasm and passion.
This game was absolutely exciting; everyone was cheering wildly.
Meaning 'to expose information,' this term is used to refer to leaking secrets or revealing scandals, often in the context of gossip or news. It carries a sensational connotation.
Someone leaked news of his new relationship online yesterday.
Lucky emperor - Someone with extremely good luck, especially in games.
He got another SSR, such a lucky emperor.
Buy the dip - Buying when prices are at their lowest point.
Now is a good opportunity to buy the dip.
Literally means 'to tan,' used to refer to someone getting darker due to sun exposure. It can also signify someone who enjoys showing off their summer adventures or leisure activities online.
I got tanned this summer, really happy about it.
Translating to 'funny,' this term describes something humorous or amusing, often used in the context of memes, jokes, or comedic content online.
This video is really funny; I laughed for a long time after watching it.
Literally 'mini version', this term is often used in a playful context to refer to something that is a reduced or cut-down model of a larger original, commonly used in references to products or phenomena.
This toy is a mini version of what I had when I was young.
This term means 'strategy guide' and is often used in gaming contexts to refer to tips on how to succeed in a game. It has also expanded to cover advice in various life situations.
I need to find a strategy guide to help me pass this level.
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 meaning 'copy and paste', this term is used to describe someone who lacks originality and simply replicates others’ ideas or content. It’s often a humorous critique of uncreative behavior online.
His article is just copy and paste, lacking any originality.
Staking - Locking up crypto to earn rewards.
I staked my ETH, annual yield is 5 percent.
To grind - Playing games or working excessively until exhausted.
I grinded the game until 3am last night.
This term refers to language or phrases that are trending on social media platforms, especially those that emerge from hot search topics. It encapsulates how quickly information can spread and become part of everyday ...
The trending phrases lately make me feel like everyone is following the hot topics.
Translating to 'draw wind', this term describes someone behaving erratically or acting out of character, often due to excitement or sudden inspiration. It can carry a lighthearted or negative connotation, depending on...
He’s really acting out today, suddenly deciding to quit his job and travel.
This phrase means 'to seek carrying,' often used in gaming contexts where players ask more skilled players to help or carry them through difficult stages. It's a playful, casual request for assistance.
This little noob is asking for a carry.
Meaning 'didn't think of that', this term is used to express surprise or disbelief at a situation or outcome. It's a common response in conversations and memes, often highlighting unexpected twists.
I really didn't think of that ending for the drama.
Translating to 'plot twist drama,' this term is used to describe stories or events that take unexpected turns, often leading to surprising conclusions. It's popular in discussions about movies, shows, and real-life si...
This movie is truly a plot twist drama; the ending surprised me greatly.
Translating to 'one hand,' this term refers to someone who is in charge or holds the ultimate power in a situation. It's often used in business contexts or discussions about leadership.
In this company, he is definitely the one in charge.
Referring to 'newbies' or beginners on Douyin (TikTok in China), this term is often used lightheartedly to describe someone who is new to creating or consuming content. It encompasses the learning curve involved in na...
As a Douyin newbie, I’m still learning how to shoot videos.
Translating to 'crane's call', this term is used to symbolize beauty and grace, often associated with artistic pursuits or aspirations. It reflects a deeper appreciation for aesthetics in culture.
Her dance is as elegant as the crane's call.
This term means 'selling cute' and is used to describe behavior that is deliberately adorable or charming to attract attention or affection. It's commonly used in the context of social media, where users might post cu...
She's being cute on Weibo, attracting a lot of fans.
Translated as 'little blue book', it refers to the app Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), which combines social media and e-commerce. Users share product reviews, experiences, and lifestyle posts.
I found a lot of good things on Little Blue Book!
Fear of missing out - Anxiety about missing a profitable opportunity.
Do not FOMO, analyze calmly before buying.
Brain-dead fan - Extreme blind fan who defends everything.
Do not be a blind fan, be rational about idols.
This term means 'newbie' or 'rookie', often in a playful context. It reflects a sense of charm associated with being inexperienced, commonly used in gaming or online communities.
As a newbie, I have a lot to learn.
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