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.
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.
Literally 'liver emperor,' this term is used to describe someone who plays video games obsessively or spends a lot of time grinding levels. It highlights the dedication and often unhealthy devotion gamers have to cert...
He spends all day grinding in this game and has no time to eat.
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!
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!
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.
Meaning 'eye-catching' or 'striking', this term is used to describe something that stands out or is impressive, often in a visually appealing way. It's used to compliment design, aesthetics, or performances.
This design is really eye-catching and has attracted many people's attention.
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!
Literally meaning 'archaeology', this term is used to describe someone who revisits old posts or trends on the internet, especially on social media. It reflects nostalgia for past trends or content.
I've been revisiting old videos lately; this content is really funny.
Translating to 'face swap,' this term describes the act of digitally altering faces in photos or videos, often for humorous or creative purposes. It reflects the playful side of digital editing.
This photo was digitally altered with a face swap; it's so funny.
This term is akin to saying 'so-and-so' or 'someone' and is used to refer to unnamed people or things. It often appears in discussions when the actual names or specifics are not relevant or known.
So-and-so said today’s meeting has been canceled.
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.
Down to earth, grounded in real life — describes content, language, or a person that feels authentic and relatable to ordinary people rather than polished or out of touch. The defining quality of 张雪机车's appeal: she ta...
She speaks in such a grounded way — watching her videos feels like chatting with a neighbor.
Meaning 'short video traffic generation', this term is used in marketing contexts to refer to strategies that attract an audience using short video formats. It highlights the trend of using quick, engaging content to ...
We need to use short videos to attract traffic for product promotion.
Translating to 'short but powerful,' this term describes something concise yet impactful, often used for comments or content that delivers strong messages in few words.
His speech was short but powerful, leaving a deep impression.
Literally 'digging graves', this term is used to describe the act of reviving or bringing attention back to old topics or posts on the internet, especially when it resurfaces unexpectedly. It's often used humorously.
She was digging graves in the forum, finding popular posts from years ago.
This term means 'forwarding for a lottery' and refers to a common practice on social media where users share posts to enter a prize draw. It represents the interactive and promotional nature of social media.
There are many forwarding lotteries; I want to try my luck too.
Censored / disappeared / not found — borrowed from the HTTP 404 error code. In Chinese internet culture, 404 refers to content deleted or blocked by censorship. "404'd" means something has been scrubbed from the Chine...
That article has been 404'd — it's gone.
Pretty girl / babe / sis — MM can stand for 美眉 (měi méi, beautiful eyebrows / pretty girl) or 妹妹 (mèi mèi, little sister). Used to address or describe an attractive young woman, or affectionately among young women to ...
This girl's photos are gorgeous!
Meaning 'lively' or 'agile', this term is used to describe someone or something that is dynamic, energetic, or charmingly animated. It’s often used in performance or artistic contexts to celebrate expression.
This dance performance is really lively and captivates the audience.
Literally 'bubble head', this refers to a specific trendy hairstyle characterized by a short bob cut, often associated with youthfulness and fashion. It symbolizes a playful and stylish image.
She got a bubble head hairstyle and instantly became youthful.
Digital collectible - The Chinese term for NFTs to avoid regulatory issues.
This digital collectible has a limited release of 10000 copies.
This term refers to someone who is overly obsessed with something, often used in a humorous or mocking context. It can imply that the person's passion has crossed into fanaticism.
He's really obsessed, he loves this TV show to the point of madness.
Translating to 'little explosion', this slang refers to unexpected excitement or surprise, often used in the context of fun or thrilling moments online.
This video is so interesting; it’s simply a little explosion!
Translating literally to 'car sickness,' this term is used to describe feeling unwell in various situations, especially when overwhelmed by a lot of information or emotions.
The recent work pressure makes me feel overwhelmed.
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!
Translating to 'brain teasers', this term refers to riddles or puzzles that require lateral thinking. It emphasizes wit and cleverness.
This brain teaser is really interesting; I thought about it for a long time.
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.
While literally meaning 'to fight,' this term is often used in online contexts to describe heated arguments, particularly in comment sections or forums.
There's another fight happening in that discussion forum.
Shaolin Soccer — Stephen Chow's 2001 breakthrough film combining martial arts and football. Used as a reference for any situation where someone applies completely inappropriate skills to solve a problem, or achieves s...
He used Excel data in his presentation to demolish the competitor's plan — pure Shaolin Soccer energy.
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.
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.
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!
This phrase translates to 'moving clouds and flowing water,' used to describe something that is smooth and natural, often in reference to performance, art, or writing. It suggests a graceful and effortless quality.
His speech was like moving clouds and flowing water, captivating the audience.
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.
Translating to 'having connotation,' this term is used to describe something or someone that is deep, meaningful, or intellectually rich. It is often used in discussions about literature, art, or personality.
This work is very meaningful and deserves to be appreciated repeatedly.
Meaning 'to question' or 'to doubt', this term is used when expressing skepticism about something, often in the context of discussions or news online. It reflects critical thinking in digital conversations.
I have some doubts about this news; I don't know if it's true.
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.
Translating to 'iron powder,' this term is used to describe extremely dedicated fans or enthusiasts of a specific celebrity, brand, or product. It signifies a strong loyalty to their interests.
He is a die-hard fan of a certain idol and keeps up with their updates every day.
Translating to 'short video powerhouse,' this term acknowledges China's rapid rise as a leading platform for short video content, reflecting on how the country has embraced and popularized platforms like Douyin and Ku...
China has become a short video powerhouse, with many creators shining here.
Meaning 'rookie' or 'newbie,' it is often used to describe someone who is inexperienced in a particular area, most commonly in gaming or learning a new skill. It can be used in a light-hearted manner.
I’m a rookie at this game; I’ve just started playing not long ago.
Literally translates to 'water things,' it describes spreading rumors or gossip that lacks substance. It’s often used to call out baseless claims.
The rumors you've heard are completely unreliable.
Translating to 'stream of consciousness,' this term is used to describe a style of writing or expression that flows freely without a strict structure. It often reflects personal thoughts and feelings.
His article has a stream of consciousness feel, making it very pleasant to read.
You're right (often sarcastic) — abbreviation of 你说得对 (nǐ shuō de duì), literally "what you said is correct." Can be sincere agreement, but on Chinese internet it is almost always used sarcastically to dismiss an argu...
Sure sure sure, NSDD — you're the greatest.
This term means 'dark horse' and is used to describe someone or something that unexpectedly achieves success, especially in competitive environments. It emphasizes the surprise aspect of their victory.
This movie unexpectedly became a dark horse, surpassing box office expectations.
Translating to 'various styles of marketing', this term refers to innovative and creative marketing techniques that engage audiences in entertaining ways. It reflects the need for originality in a crowded market.
There are more and more brands using various styles of marketing now; it’s really interesting.
Literally meaning 'ride the wind and break the waves,' this phrase conveys determination and courage in overcoming difficulties. Popularized by inspirational quotes and trending in motivational contexts.
On the path to pursuing our dreams, we must ride the wind and break the waves.
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.
Forever God / GOAT - An abbreviation of '永远的神' meaning 'eternal god'. Used to express extreme admiration, like saying something is the best ever.
This bubble tea shop is the GOAT! There's always a line.
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.
Literally meaning 'fried chicken,' this term is a play on words for '超级' (super) and is used to express something being extremely good or excellent. It is often used to convey enthusiasm for something, like a movie or...
This movie is super awesome!
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