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 'playing together', this term refers to individuals who are paid to play games with others, often in online gaming contexts. It highlights trends in gaming culture where companionship is monetized.
I found someone to play games with; we will play together tonight.
This term means 'domineering' or 'charismatic', used to describe someone exuding confidence, strength, or forcefulness. It's often applied to big personalities or actions.
His performance was so charismatic; he completely dominated the scene.
Translating to 'secret recipe', this slang is used to denote something special or unique, especially in food or experiences. It signifies exclusivity and is often used in advertising.
The secret sauce at this shop is extremely popular.
Translating to 'harsh living,' this term is used to describe a tough or relentless lifestyle, often in the context of working hard or facing life's challenges head-on without complaints.
Life is truly harsh, but there’s no choice.
Literally meaning 'hot pot base seasoning', this slang refers to the essential mix of ingredients that create a flavorful hot pot. In internet culture, it's used humorously to describe something that enhances an exper...
This video is so funny, it’s like the hot pot base seasoning!
Airdrop farming - Actively hunting for free token airdrops.
Too many airdrop farmers lately, projects are getting smarter.
This term means 'double speed' and is often used in the context of watching videos or consuming content at an accelerated pace. It reflects a fast-paced lifestyle where people seek to maximize their time.
I like to set videos to double speed so I can save time.
Refers to the five rings of the Olympic Games and symbolizes competition or the spirit of sports. It can also humorously refer to over-ambitious goals or dreams.
He keeps talking about his Olympic dreams, which is a bit unrealistic.
Translating to 'tap water', this slang refers to someone who joins discussions or fandoms without prior engagement, often used humorously to describe casual fans or bystanders.
Many casual fans are discussing this show now.
Translating to 'against the heavens,' this phrase describes something that is exceptionally good or impressive, often used in the context of talent or achievement.
His performance in the competition was truly out of this world!
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 'Attack on Titan,' this phrase is often used humorously in discussions about overwhelming challenges or fierce competition, referencing the popular anime. It embodies a fighting spirit in the face of ad...
In this competition, I feel like I'm the Attack on Titan.
Translating to 'fatalism', it reflects the belief that events are predetermined and unavoidable. This term is often used in discussions about life choices and destiny.
I always feel that our lives are arranged by fatalism.
Literally 'to take down a shelf', this term is commonly used to describe the removal of content or products from online platforms, especially after controversies. It reflects the transient nature of internet culture.
That video was taken down due to controversy.
This term means 'recharge' and is commonly used in the context of adding credits or funds, especially in gaming or online services. It often implies a sense of investing in experiences.
I need to recharge my gaming account to unlock new features.
Literally translating to 'being cut like chives', this slang refers to investors or participants who suffer losses due to being exploited or manipulated, particularly in the cryptocurrency or stock market. It signifie...
Recently, I got cut like chives; it's really exhausting.
DEX - Decentralized exchange for trading crypto without intermediaries.
Trading on a DEX does not require account registration.
Literally meaning 'godly tool', this term refers to gadgets, apps, or anything that is exceptionally useful or impressive. It is often used in tech and gaming discussions to describe must-have items.
This software is such a godly tool; it helped me do a lot.
Translating to 'fake social interaction,' this term describes superficial interactions, particularly in social media, where people engage for appearances rather than genuine connection.
Friendships nowadays are a bit superficial; everyone is focused on appearances.
Literally meaning 'to hit the liver,' this term refers to staying up late or working excessively hard, particularly in the context of gaming or programming. It often conveys a sense of pride in one’s dedication but al...
I stayed up late again to clear the level.
Whale - A person or entity holding massive amounts of cryptocurrency.
Whales are selling again, the market will drop.
Riding the hype - Exploiting trending topics for attention.
He is just riding the hype.
Layer 2 - Scaling solutions built on top of main blockchains.
Transferring on Layer 2 networks is much cheaper.
Translating to 'ferocious dog,' this term is used to describe someone who is fierce, assertive, or formidable in a competitive environment. It carries a sense of respect.
In the competition, she performed like a ferocious dog.
Translating to 'at hand' or 'casually', this term is often used in the context of casually taking photos or sharing moments on social media. It denotes a relaxed, spontaneous approach to capturing life’s little moments.
I casually snapped a photo of the scenery.
Translating to 'science and engineering man,' this term often describes a stereotype of men who are very technical or logical, sometimes lacking in social skills. It is used to categorize a certain type of male person...
He is a typical science and engineering man who loves to study various technologies.
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.
Carry to fly - A skilled player carrying weaker teammates.
The pro is carrying us!
Translating to 'wilderness survival', this term refers to challenges or games where individuals must survive in extreme environments. It's often used in entertainment contexts to describe reality shows.
I've recently become obsessed with wilderness survival shows; they are so thrilling!
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.
This term means 'joyfully received' and is used humorously to express receiving something unexpected, like a compliment or an event. It has a playful connotation, often employed in social media.
I joyfully received a new job; I’m so happy!
This is a phonetic approximation of 'suwu' from the Korean drama 'Descendants of the Sun.' It represents a light-hearted or mocking reference to anything Korean or K-pop related, especially when expressing admiration.
This song is so good, I must say, 'suwu!'
Translating to 'ascending period,' this term describes a time of growth in someone's career or popularity, often in contexts discussing rising influencers or talents.
He’s in his ascending period; the future is promising.
This term translates to 'mental supplementation' and describes the act of filling in gaps with one’s imagination, often about stories, characters, or situations. It indicates creativity and personal interpretation.
The story didn't explain certain parts, so I supplemented it with my imagination.
This term means 'to play e-sports.' It represents the growing culture around competitive gaming and the serious dedication many players have towards it, mixing both entertainment and professional aspirations.
He plays e-sports every day, dreaming of becoming a professional player.
Meaning 'unlock', this term is commonly used to describe accomplishing something new or discovering a new skill or hobby. It is often used in gaming and personal development contexts.
Today I finally unlocked this achievement; I’m so happy.
Translating to 'kneeling request', this term humorously implies begging for something, often used when someone is desperate for help or information. It expresses a playful sense of urgency.
I am kneeling in request for you to tell me the strategy for this game!
'Take me along' is often used in gaming or social media contexts when a user seeks help or companionship. It conveys a desire to join in or be included.
I'm just starting to play this game, take me along!
Translated as 'high-level,' this term refers to advanced or elite skills, knowledge, or understanding in a specific area, often used in contexts like gaming or academia. It's used to describe someone who is exceptiona...
He is a high-level player; he always wins easily in games.
Translating to 'strong woman,' this term is used to describe independent, successful women who excel in their careers and assert their ambitions. It reflects a cultural appreciation for female empowerment.
She is an outstanding strong woman who never compromises in her work.
This slang means 'popular' or 'trending' and is used to describe something that is currently in vogue or widely discussed. It can refer to films, memes, or any fad that gains popularity quickly.
This song is incredibly popular right now; everyone is listening to it.
Literally 'crack open,' this term expresses feeling overwhelmed, often used when something shocking or humorous happens. It's akin to saying 'I can't even' in English.
Today's gossip made me crack up.
Literally meaning 'fake lard', this term humorously describes something that is fake or not what it seems, often used in consumer contexts. It addresses issues of authenticity in products or experiences.
This skincare product really feels like fake lard; it has no effect.
Translating to 'chosen one by heaven,' it refers to someone who is perceived as exceptionally lucky or talented, often used humorously when someone achieves unexpected success.
Winning the lottery makes him truly the chosen one by fate.
Meaning 'fresh and fragrant', this term is often used to describe food that is particularly delicious or appetizing. It can also be used more broadly to express pleasure or satisfaction with something.
This dish is really fresh and fragrant, making me unable to stop eating more!
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.
Translating to 'social person,' this term refers to individuals who are heavily engaged in social activities and often portray a strong social persona online. It can imply someone who is savvy and well-connected in so...
He's really a social person; he knows a lot of people.
Meaning 'to deduce' or 'infer', this term is often used in contexts where people are making guesses or conclusions based on limited information, particularly in discussions or debates online.
Everyone is guessing about the stars' relationship.
This playful phrase is a phonetic play on 'check out' and is used to express excitement or a desire to show something off. It often sets a lively tone for conversations.
Check it out! This piece of clothing is really nice.
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.