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.
Internet Culture Slang Terms
Translating to 'don't know how to fix a computer', this phrase has evolved to describe someone who is hopelessly unskilled in technology or problems. It’s often said humorously in discussions about technical issues.
I really don’t know how to fix computers, just find an expert.
originally means "Diode", and because "二极" means "bi-pole", it's now used as a metaphor to mock people with extreme, black-and-white thinking. In their eyes, things are only completely right or completely wrong, they ...
Bié lǐ tā, tā jiù shì gè èr jí guǎn, wán quán bù jiǎng lǐ.
Translates to 'fill the gap,' often used to describe catching up on missed content such as TV shows, movies, or news. It reflects the need to be in the loop.
I've been catching up on this series lately; it's really good!
Literally 'to drop the line', this term is used to describe losing connection, especially during online activities or games. It reflects the frustrations of unreliable technology.
I just lost connection; what bad luck.
Borrowed from English, 'LOL' is used in Chinese internet slang just as it is in English, meaning 'laugh out loud'. It's commonly seen in chat and social media conversations, particularly to express amusement.
After seeing this joke, I just laughed out loud.
This term means 'to exploit free resources without paying', typically used in contexts related to gaming, streaming, or content consumption. It can have humorous connotations, often reflecting a cheeky attitude toward...
I’ve taken a lot of courses on that platform without paying for them.
Translating to 'popular' or 'all the rage', this term describes trends or fashions that have captured widespread attention among the public. It's often used in discussions about viral content.
This game became immensely popular among young people.
Translating to 'label party,' this term describes individuals who overly focus on labels or stereotypes in discussions. It is often used to criticize shallow thinking.
Such label party comments are too boring.
Literally translates to 'brainless fan.' This term refers to fans who support something or someone without critical thought, often blindly defending their idol or interest regardless of the situation. It's commonly us...
Some brainless fans only know how to attack differing opinions.
Translating to 'cloud high,' this term describes enjoying something vicariously, often online, without being physically present. It reflects engagement in online culture and social activities from a distance.
Even though I wasn’t at the venue, I enjoyed it vicariously through the livestream!
Instant kill / Sold out instantly - Something selling out immediately or defeating someone instantly.
This limited edition sold out instantly.
This phrase translates to 'heavenly show' and is often used to describe someone displaying exceptional skills, particularly in sports or gaming. It highlights awe and admiration for impressive performances.
His moves are truly heavenly; they leave me in awe.
This term means 'sharp' or 'insightful,' often used to describe witty comments, critical opinions, or astute observations. It recognizes intelligence and cleverness.
His comment is really sharp; it made me think deeply.
Literally meaning 'to blink or flash', this term is often used in gaming to describe a sudden movement or a quick escape, but it can also refer to surprising or unexpected events in life.
Just now in the game, I blinked to dodge an attack.
This phrase translates to 'turned over', often reflecting a situation where someone or something experiences a significant change or transformation, usually in a surprising way.
This situation really turned over; the result was completely different from what I imagined.
Means 'tea art', but in internet slang, it refers to the way one cleverly navigates social situations or disputes, much like the artistry involved in preparing tea. It indicates skillful social maneuvering.
In this discussion, her social art is truly unparalleled.
Rug pull / Run away - When project founders disappear with investors money.
The project team did a rug pull, all the money is gone.
Literally translating to 'data kills,' this term refers to situations where reliance on data and statistics leads to harmful conclusions or actions, often in business or analysis. It highlights the dangers of misusing...
The analysis report didn't take actual situations into account; it's really data killing.
Translating to 'cat and mouse game', this term describes a situation of constant pursuit or competition, often used in contexts where one party is trying to outsmart the other. It can relate to relationships, rivalrie...
This match is like a cat and mouse game, with both sides vying for victory.
Translating to 'community of shared destiny,' this term is used to describe a collective that shares similar goals and outcomes, often in political or social contexts. It implies a sense of interconnectedness.
In this era of globalization, we are a 'community of shared destiny.'
Paper hands - Selling too early out of fear, weak holders.
He has paper hands, sells as soon as it dips.
Literally 'Oolong tea', but it is used to describe a situation that goes unexpectedly wrong or takes a surprising turn, often humorously. It reflects the idea that things can become chaotic or mismanaged, similar to h...
This meeting turned into a total mess; no one was prepared at all.
Translating to 'the truth is revealed,' this phrase is used when something hidden or unclear becomes apparent, often in discussions or debates.
After the investigation, the truth was revealed, and everyone was shocked.
A slang term derived from a popular game, referring to a player who is very skilled or expert. It’s often used in gaming contexts to commend someone for their abilities.
He is an expert in this game; he's amazing!
Literally meaning 'to draw a big pancake,' this term refers to making grand promises or plans that are unlikely to be fulfilled. It often indicates false hopes or unrealistic expectations, especially in corporate or s...
The boss always makes grand promises, making us feel optimistic about the future.
Referring to a fictional place often used in online gaming culture, it has come to symbolize a toxic environment where players engage in insults and abusive language. It's a commentary on negative aspects of gaming co...
Playing games in Zuan is really stressful.
Translating to 'serious statement', this phrase is often used to emphasize the importance of what is being said next, particularly in clarifications or announcements that require attention. It indicates that the speak...
I hereby make a serious statement that I absolutely did not participate in this matter.
This term translates to 'occupying a pit' and is used to indicate that someone is reserving a spot for later commenting or participation in a discussion. It’s prevalent in online forums and social media comments.
This is my reserved comment; I will reply later.
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 'classic old memes,' this term refers to well-known jokes or references that have stood the test of time in internet culture. It's often used nostalgically as older memes make a comeback.
This image is truly a classic old meme; looking at it makes me feel nostalgic.
Meaning 'grass planting machine,' this term refers to a person who continuously recommends products, influencing others to buy them. It often describes enthusiastic friends or influencers.
She is like my grass planting machine; she always recommends great things to me.
Diamond hands - Holding an asset no matter what, refusing to sell during dips.
Diamond hands are not afraid of dips, just hold.
Means 'complete the task,' often used in online gaming or social media contexts to describe fulfilling a challenge or achieving a goal. It reflects the gamification of social interactions.
I completed all my tasks today; it feels very rewarding.
Great god / Pro - An expert or highly skilled person.
Please help, pros!
Literally meaning 'climbing over the wall', this term refers to using VPNs or other methods to bypass internet censorship in China. It signifies the desire for unrestricted access to information.
In order to watch videos from abroad, I have to circumvent internet restrictions.
This term translates to 'sense of imagery' and describes a vivid and engaging visual representation, often associated with storytelling or artistic expression. It indicates a strong emotional connection to the visuals...
The sense of imagery in this book makes me feel very immersed.
Meaning 'tear apart', this term is often used to describe dramatic conflicts or public feuds, especially on social media. It emphasizes the public nature of these disputes.
This conflict really sparked a lot of discussions.
Literally 'Mandarin Duck Pot', this term refers to a type of hot pot with two different soup bases. It's used to express a preference for diversity or compromise in situations, especially in relationships or social ga...
Let's go have a Mandarin Duck Pot tonight; everyone has different tastes, and we can share.
Literally translating to 'mind hole wide open,' this term describes a moment of inspiration or a sudden burst of creativity, often used when someone has a unique idea or solution to a problem.
His words opened my mind wide to new ideas.
Literally 'to吸 (suck)粉 (fans),' this term refers to attracting followers or fans, especially in online contexts. It symbolizes the efforts influencers make to grow their audience.
His new video has been attracting fans really quickly.
Translating to 'in the same frame,' this term is used to describe two or more people appearing together in a photograph or video, especially in celebrity contexts. It signifies moments that fans cherish.
They were in the same frame at the event; the fans went crazy.
Translating to 'special effects,' this term is used in both filmmaking and digital content creation contexts. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something visually captivating.
The special effects in this movie are really stunning.
Translating to 'conscientious management', this term refers to operating with integrity and responsibility, particularly in business contexts. It highlights ethical considerations in practices.
We should manage with integrity, ensuring our customers can trust us.
This term means 'trivia' or 'little-known facts.' It refers to interesting, obscure knowledge that is fun to share and often used in social settings.
Did you know? This animal has some trivia.
Break even / Unbag - When a losing position finally returns to your entry price.
Finally broke even, held for two years.
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.
Translating to 'cloud dining,' this term is used to describe the phenomenon of enjoying online food content or live-streamed meals. It captures the experience of virtually sharing a meal with others.
I plan to enjoy 'cloud dining' tonight by watching a food livestream.
Translating to 'emoji package,' it refers to a collection of stickers or expressive graphics used in messaging. It is a popular way to convey emotions or reactions in a fun and expressive manner in text conversations.
I sent some funny emoji packages in the chat.
Meaning 'turning the world upside down', this phrase is used to describe dramatic changes or transformations, often in relation to personal growth or societal shifts.
This reform will dramatically change our lives.
The term means 'to pin at the top.' It refers to the act of keeping a post or message at the top of a social feed to ensure visibility, often used in online forums or social media.
I pinned this message to the top; everyone come and check it out!