Internet Culture Chinese Slang — 1200+ Terms with Pinyin & English — Page 3 | Chinese Slang

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

老鼠 (lǎo shǔ)

Literally 'mouse,' this term is used to describe someone who is constantly lurking online, often reading posts without participating. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

I’m a lurker on the forum, always quietly observing.

买家秀 (mǎi jiā xiù)

This term means 'buyer show' and refers to the photos or reviews that customers post after purchasing a product, often showcasing their satisfaction or disappointment. It's a popular way to share experiences in online...

I've seen many buyer reviews, and it seems like this product is good.

瓶盖 (pínggài)

Literally meaning 'bottle cap,' this term is used in online conversations to refer to someone who rarely contributes or participates in discussions, akin to being mute in a group. It can be playful or critical.

In this group, you’re just a bottle cap, not contributing much.

算法推荐 (suàn fǎ tuī jiàn)

Translating to 'algorithm recommendation,' this term is often used to discuss how social media platforms curate content for users based on their interactions. It reflects both fascination and frustration with digital ...

I really don't know why the algorithm recommendations always give me weird videos.

瘫痪式追剧 (tān huàn shì zhuī jù)

This term refers to a binge-watching style where someone gets so engrossed in a series that they become 'paralyzed' and can't do anything else. It humorously highlights how addictive and consuming watching dramas can be.

This drama is so good; I binge-watched it all night until 6 AM.

脑洞打开 (nǎo dòng dǎkāi)

This phrase means 'brain hole opened,' and is used to describe a moment of creativity or a wild idea. It’s often used in artistic or imaginative discussions.

This idea really opened up my mind.

石锤 (shí chuí)

Translating to 'stone hammer,' this term is used to indicate that something is definitely confirmed or true. It is often used when referring to verified facts or reliable sources.

I have solid proof for this matter; stop doubting.

无厘头 (wú lí tóu)

Nonsense comedy — the absurdist, anarchic humor style that Stephen Chow (周星驰) invented and made famous in Hong Kong cinema. It combines rapid-fire wordplay, surreal logic jumps, and deadpan delivery of completely irra...

His answer was complete nonsense, but I could not stop laughing.

素人 (sù rén)

Translating to 'ordinary person,' this term describes someone who is not a celebrity or public figure, often used in discussions about relatability and authenticity.

The stories shared by these ordinary people are very real and touching.

反向安利 (fǎn xiàng ān lì)

This term refers to the practice of 'anti-recommendation'—essentially warning friends against something instead of promoting it. It often indicates a critical view on something that seems overrated.

I would anti-recommend this movie; it’s really not good.

炫耀狂魔 (xuàn yào kuáng mó)

Translating to 'show-off maniac', this term describes someone who constantly boasts about their possessions or accomplishments on social media. It characterizes a specific behavior that many people find off-putting.

He is such a show-off maniac, posting photos of his luxury car every day.

不忘初心 (bù wàng chū xīn)

Translating to 'do not forget the original intention', this term encourages individuals to remain true to their values and motivations, especially in the face of challenges.

It's important to not forget the original intention on the path to success.

暴露狂 (bào lù kuáng)

Exposure freak; used to describe someone who enjoys sharing personal details, potentially too much, in public forums. It can be humorous or critical.

She’s really an exposure freak, sharing everything online.

沦为 (lún wéi)

This term means 'to become' and is often used to express disappointment in how someone has changed for the worse. It reflects a sense of loss or regret.

How did he become such a person?

咕噜 (gū lū)

The term mimics the sound of something rolling or tumbling, often used to represent procrastination or an idle lifestyle. It can also describe a situation where things don't go as planned, adding a playful tone.

I rolled around all afternoon and didn't get anything done.

随大流 (Suí dà liú)

Means 'to follow the flow,' used to describe someone who conforms to popular trends or practices without critical thought. It sometimes carries a negative connotation of lack of originality.

I don't want to just follow the flow; I want to do what I like.

抽奖 (chōu jiǎng)

Translates to 'lottery' or 'drawing lots,' this term is used in online contexts where people join contests or giveaways. It reflects the excitement and chance of winning something.

Participate in this event for a chance to win a lottery; come and give it a try!

怒怼 (nù duì)

Translating to 'angrily retort', this slang is used to describe someone who fiercely critiques or confronts another person. It's often used in the context of online debates or arguments.

She angrily retorted to those trolls in the comment section.

火起来 (huǒ qǐlái)

Meaning 'to become popular,' this term is often used to describe trends, memes, or content that suddenly gains widespread attention or goes viral.

This video has become popular; everyone is discussing it.

贼厉害 (zéi lì hài)

Translating to 'super awesome', this slang emphasizes admiration for someone's skills or abilities, commonly used in a casual context to express excitement or commendation.

His gaming skills are super awesome; he's practically a master!

尿点 (niào diǎn)

This term literally means 'pee point' and is used to refer to parts of a movie or show that are particularly boring or unengaging, where one might feel the need to take a bathroom break. It reflects a shared experienc...

This show has too many boring parts; there’s not much to watch.

网民 (wǎng mín)

Translating to 'netizen', this term refers to internet users who actively participate in online communities. It reflects the growing influence of online platforms and social media on public discourse and culture.

This issue has sparked discussion among a wide range of netizens.

数字藏品 (shù zì cáng pǐn)

Digital collectible - The Chinese term for NFTs to avoid regulatory issues.

This digital collectible has a limited release of 10000 copies.

别带节奏 (bié dài jié zòu)

This phrase translates to 'don’t set the rhythm' and is used to indicate disapproval of someone trying to control the conversation or steer opinions on social media. It encourages individuality in discussions.

When others are discussing, don’t try to set the rhythm; everyone has their own viewpoints.

狼人杀 (lángrénshā)

Translating to 'Werewolf Kill', this refers to a popular social deduction game where players role-play and try to identify who among them is the 'werewolf'. The game emphasizes strategy and social interaction.

Let’s play Werewolf Kill together this weekend!

武林秘籍 (wǔ lín mì jí)

Martial arts secret manual — in wuxia, the ultimate treasure containing hidden techniques that can make someone invincible. Online, used humorously for any helpful guide, lifehack, cheat sheet, or insider tip that unl...

This guide is basically a secret martial arts manual — I am no longer afraid of the boss fight.

狂热 (kuáng rè)

Meaning 'fervor' or 'enthusiasm,' this term is often used to describe extreme excitement or passion for a trend, topic, or fandom. It can have both positive and negative connotations.

The fervor for this movie shocked me.

88 (bā bā)

Bye bye — 88 sounds like 拜拜 (bāi bāi), the Mandarin phonetic borrowing of the English "bye bye." The quickest and most universal numeric farewell in Chinese digital communication.

Going offline — bye bye!

笑傲江湖 (xiào ào jiāng hú)

Smiling proudly through the jianghu — the title of Jin Yong's beloved novel about a wandering swordsman who refuses to be bound by any faction or ambition. Online, used to describe a carefree, unbothered attitude towa...

After quitting, I can finally smile proudly through the jianghu — no more rat race for me.

推车 (tuī chē)

Literally meaning 'to push a cart,' this term is often used to describe someone who is working hard to promote or support something, especially in business or online content.

He is a content creator who's really pushing his brand, gaining more fans every day.

提前官宣 (tíqián guān xuān)

Translating to 'announce in advance', this term is often used when someone reveals information or news prematurely, typically before an official announcement. It can be humorous or serious, depending on context.

The cast list for this new drama was announced in advance.

狂热粉丝 (kuáng rè fěn sī)

Translating to 'fervent fan', this term describes someone who is intensely passionate about a celebrity, band, or show, often participating in fandom activities. It emphasizes the enthusiasm within fan cultures.

She’s a fervent fan of that drama and discusses the plot almost every day.

云吸猫 (yún xī māo)

Translating to 'cloud cat-adoring', this term describes the act of enjoying or adoring cats online, often through social media. It reflects a growing trend of virtual pet ownership and appreciation.

Recently, I've been adoring cats online every day, and I feel particularly happy.

黑科技 (hēi kējì)

Translating to 'black technology', this term refers to advanced, often innovative technologies that seem to defy conventional understanding. It’s used to describe cutting-edge trends, particularly in tech discussions.

The features of this phone are truly black technology.

瓜皮 (guā pí)

Literally meaning 'melon skin', this term is used to describe someone who is silly or foolish, often in a lighthearted manner. It can also refer to absurd situations or comments, similar to calling someone a 'goofball'.

He's such a goofball; he actually believes that rumor.

云播 (yún bō)

Referring to 'cloud broadcasting', this term denotes streaming content over the internet, especially during events like concerts or live shows. It captures the growing trend of online participation in real-time events.

I streamed a concert at home last night.

少男少女 (shàonán shàonǚ)

Literally 'young boys and girls', this term is often used to refer to teenagers or young adults, particularly in the context of discussions about youth culture, trends, and influences.

The young boys and girls had a big reaction to this drama.

假装认真 (jiǎ zhuāng rèn zhēn)

This term means 'pretend to be serious', often used in a playful context where someone feigns seriousness for comedic effect. It highlights a humorous approach to situations that are typically more serious.

I pretended to be serious during the meeting, but in reality, I was thinking about something else.

另类 (lìng lèi)

Translating to 'alternative,' this term is used to describe unconventional styles, tastes, or ideas, often in fashion or art contexts. It embraces individuality and nonconformity.

His fashion style is quite alternative, attracting a lot of attention.

在线吃瓜 (zài xiàn chī guā)

Literally meaning 'eating melon online', this phrase refers to the act of observing gossip, drama, or scandals on the internet without actively participating, akin to being a spectator.

I'm online eating melons on Weibo, it's so interesting.

顶级微博 (dǐng jí wēi bó)

Translating to 'top-tier Weibo,' this term refers to highly influential or popular accounts on Weibo, regarded as trendsetters in the social media landscape.

Her Weibo account is top-tier, often leading trends.

吃西瓜 (chī xī guā)

Translating to 'eating watermelon,' it refers to casually watching or observing drama unfold, especially on social media. It denotes a sense of detachment and amusement while enjoying the show.

Seeing their argument, I can only sit on the sidelines and watch the drama unfold.

绝世高手 (jué shì gāo shǒu)

Peerless master — a martial artist of supreme, unrivaled skill in wuxia fiction. Used online as enthusiastic hyperbole for anyone who is exceptionally good at anything — cooking, gaming, studying, even parking a car.

The speed at which he codes — he is an absolute peerless master!

敬请期待 (jìng qǐng qídài)

This phrase means 'please look forward to' and is often used in marketing and social media to build anticipation for upcoming events or products. It's a polite way to engage an audience's interest.

Our new product will be launched soon; please look forward to it!

粉圈 (fěn quān)

Referring to a 'fan circle,' this term describes the community of fans surrounding a celebrity or fandom. It often involves intense loyalty and interactions among members.

She joined her idol's fan circle, binge-watching dramas and voting.

过气明星 (guòqì míngxīng)

Translating to 'past star,' this term refers to celebrities who were once popular but are now forgotten or no longer in the spotlight. It is often used in gossiping about the entertainment industry.

His movie is considered a work of a has-been star, but it’s actually not bad.

聚光灯下 (jù guāng dēng xià)

Translating to 'under the spotlight,' this phrase describes being in a position where one is the center of attention, often used to refer to celebrities or public figures.

Under the spotlight, he always appears perfect.

追随者 (zhuī suí zhě)

Translating to 'followers,' this term refers to people who follow a particular trend, celebrity, or influencer, often in a fanatical way. It emphasizes the nature of digital fandom and the impact of social media.

He has thousands of followers on his social media.

打金 (dǎ jīn)

Gold farming / Play to earn - Making money by playing blockchain games.

He earns thousands per month gold farming.

小粉红 (xiǎo fěn hóng)

Often refers to young, fervent nationalists who express strong patriotic views online. Originally neutral, it sometimes carries a negative connotation when describing overly aggressive or extreme supporters.

Those little pinks are always arguing online, defending their views.

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