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
Literally 'drink tea', this phrase is a euphemistic way to refer to discussing scandals or gossip, often implying that one is engaged in a conversation that involves intrigue or drama.
She always enjoys drinking tea with friends and chatting about gossip.
Literally meaning 'to touch gold,' this term is often related to exploring or seeking out opportunities for wealth or success, especially in informal or unexpected ways. It is commonly used in discussions about seekin...
Young people are all trying to find ways to touch gold and look for quick ways to get rich.
Translating to 'inject chicken blood', this phrase describes the act of getting excited or motivated about something, often used in a motivational context.
Today's meeting really injected some motivation into me, making me feel inspired again.
Translating to 'surfing,' this term refers to browsing or navigating the internet, often specifically for entertainment or leisure. It indicates a casual way of exploring online content.
I plan to surf the internet tonight and see what new videos are out there.
Translating to 'human-shaped chess,' it's used to describe someone who isn't actively participating in a conversation but is merely present, akin to a spectator. It humorously implies a lack of engagement.
Today, I just want to be a human-shaped chess piece and stay quiet.
Literally meaning 'divine drama', this term refers to a movie or TV series that is exceptionally well-made or captivating. However, it can also sarcastically describe something that is overly dramatic or unrealistic, ...
The plot of this show is truly divine; I can hardly believe it!
Referring to someone or something that is soft and cute, this term encapsulates the appeal of cuteness in popular culture. It’s often used in relation to characters in anime, cartoons, or pets.
This kitten is just so adorably cute.
Translating to 'grabbing the sofa,' this term refers to the act of being the first to comment on a new post or article, often seen as a way to gain attention or pride within online communities.
I got the sofa; let me comment quickly!
Breaking out of the circle - Going mainstream from a niche community.
This song broke out, many people know it now.
Literally means 'electronic music wave.' It refers to the trend of electronic music that is highly popular in parties and online streams. Often associated with a vibrant nightlife and youth culture.
The recent electronic music wave has swept through the entire nightlife scene.
Literally 'clear stream,' this term is used to describe someone or something that stands out positively amidst negativity, often referring to a refreshing perspective in toxic environments, especially online.
Amidst so many negative comments, her message is truly a refreshing perspective.
Meaning 'crowdsourcing', this term is widely used to describe collective funding for projects, often seen on social media platforms for creative initiatives or businesses. It reflects a collaborative spirit in the dig...
We are running a crowdfunding project and hope everyone can support us.
Meaning 'gambling mentality', this phrase describes an attitude of taking big risks for uncertain rewards. It often reflects impulsive behaviors in financial decisions or lifestyle choices.
Such a gambling mentality cannot last long in investments.
Meaning 'guerrilla team,' this term refers to a group that engages in unconventional tactics, often used in marketing or activism contexts. It suggests creativity and flexibility in approach.
Our guerrilla marketing team is very active on social media.
Roast / Complain - Making fun of or criticizing something.
I need to roast this design.
This phrase translates to 'good looks are justice' and reflects the societal belief that attractiveness can lead to advantages in life, especially in terms of social interactions and opportunities.
In this society, good looks are justice; appearance is really important.
Literally meaning 'to insert an eye', this term is used in online comment sections to signal that a user is watching or paying close attention to a discussion. It indicates engagement.
This post is so interesting; I want to signal that I'm watching.
Literally 'knife sister,' this term refers to a girl who is fiercely competitive or skilled, often in gaming or sports contexts. It's a playful way to describe women who excel in traditionally male-dominated areas.
She's really a 'knife sister' in the game, defeating all the boys.
Translating to 'traffic owner,' this term refers to individuals or influencers who generate a significant amount of online traffic or viewership. It's a term of respect and acknowledgment in the content creation commu...
She's a traffic owner; her videos always attract a large audience.
Literally meaning 'black curtain', this term refers to hidden agendas or secretive situations, especially in the context of scandals or controversies. It's commonly used to describe actions or decisions that seem susp...
There must be a black curtain behind this matter.
Translating to 'it's just the beginning', this phrase is used to indicate that something is far more complex or impressive than it seems. It often builds excitement or anticipation.
This movie is just the beginning; there are even more exciting parts.
This term means 'black red', describing someone who gains notoriety or fame through negative attention or controversies. It emphasizes the paradox of becoming popular for not-so-positive reasons.
Even though she’s gained fame for negative reasons lately, her fans still support her.
This term means 'werewolf,' and in the gaming context, it often refers to players who deceive or manipulate others, particularly in games like 'Werewolf.'
In this round of the game, he plays the role of the werewolf; it's really interesting.
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.
Literally meaning 'flirtatious operation', this term is often used in gaming and social contexts to describe clever or unexpected moves that impress others. It can also imply a sense of show-off or 'style' in executin...
His flirtatious operation stunned all the viewers.
Translating to 'selfie artifact', this term refers to gadgets or tools that make taking selfies easier and more effective, showcasing the obsession with selfie culture in modern society.
This selfie artifact is really useful; my photos have improved a lot.
Meaning 'to flip windows', this term describes quickly switching between different perspectives or topics, often in conversations. It conveys a sense of agility in communication.
When we discuss, we always switch topics quickly.
Translating to 'face collision,' this term describes the phenomenon of meeting someone who strongly resembles another person, often a celebrity. It can be used humorously or in admiration.
She really resembles that celebrity; it's like looking at a mirror.
This phrase means 'to hit the headlines' and is used when someone or something becomes very popular or trending in news and social media. It emphasizes sudden fame or recognition.
His work suddenly hit the headlines; it’s amazing.
Buy the dip - Buying when prices are at their lowest point.
Now is a good opportunity to buy the dip.
Bullet comments - Real-time scrolling comments on videos.
The comments are too dense, cannot see the video.
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 'acting faction', this term refers to actors or actresses who are considered highly skilled and serious about their craft, as opposed to those who rely on looks or superficial charm. It implies depth in...
She is truly a skilled actor; she performs every role excellently.
This phrase means 'to gnaw on the old' and refers to adult children who rely financially on their parents instead of being independent. It often carries a negative connotation and reflects societal concerns about yout...
Some young people rely on their parents and have no intention of finding a job.
This term translates to 'small freshness' and describes a style or feeling that is fresh, innocent, and refreshing, often used in relation to art, fashion, or personal aesthetics.
Her style is very fresh, giving off a refreshing vibe.
Meaning 'best in the entire venue’, it is used to refer to someone who stands out remarkably in a particular setting, often in competitions or performances.
He was the best in the entire venue today!
Translating to 'hero aura', this term describes the phenomenon where a central character in a story or real life seems to have good luck or advantages simply because they are the protagonist. It's often used jokingly.
His life is truly like a hero aura; he always encounters good things.
This term means 'to exit a circle,' referring to someone leaving a fanbase or group, often due to disappointment or disillusionment. It can also apply to withdrawing from social situations.
I’ve decided to exit the circle and no longer follow this idol.
Translating to 'like', this term is used when someone expresses approval or admiration for a post or comment. It’s analogous to the thumbs-up feature on social media platforms.
I liked this post a lot.
This term means 'freeloaders' and describes people who take advantage of free resources or services without contributing, especially in online contexts.
I've been a freeloader recently, enjoying free content.
Translating to 'explosive fire', this term describes something that has suddenly become extremely popular or viral, often within a short time frame.
This song has recently exploded in popularity; everyone is listening to it.
Meaning 'subculture', this term explains niche communities within larger cultures, often characterized by specific interests or lifestyles. It's used to discuss the diversity of online identities.
This anime is very popular within the subculture community.
Translating to 'not sci-fi', this slang is used to describe situations that are surprisingly mundane or realistic, contrary to what might be expected in a futuristic or speculative context.
This movie is not sci-fi, but it’s quite interesting.
'Working is not easy' is a phrase expressing the hardships and struggles individuals face in the workplace, often resonating with many young professionals.
With the rising cost of living, working is not easy.
This phrase means 'ups and downs', describing fluctuations or dramatic changes in situations, especially in stories, emotions, or life events. It reflects the unpredictable nature of life.
This drama has an unpredictable storyline that keeps viewers engaged.
Meaning 'recommendation post', this term is used for posts that suggest helpful or interesting content, often shared on platforms like Weibo.
Her recommendation posts led me to discover many great books.
Meaning 'flying all over the sky', this term is often used to describe something that is rampant or widespread, especially rumors or gossip. It indicates an overwhelming presence of a particular topic.
Rumors about him are flying all over the place; everyone is discussing it.
Literally meaning 'bombing,' this term is used to describe overwhelming or excessive interactions, often in the context of online comments or messages.
The comment section of this video has been bombarded; everyone is discussing it.
Literally means 'fermentation,' it describes ideas, trends, or gossip that are growing or spreading quickly, often used in a metaphorical sense. It captures the essence of viral trends on the internet.
This topic is fermenting quickly online; everyone is discussing it.
This term means 'to bind' or 'link,' and is often used in the context of connecting social media accounts or services. It highlights the interconnectedness of various digital platforms.
You need to link the account to the platform.