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 '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 '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.
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.
Gold farming / Play to earn - Making money by playing blockchain games.
He earns thousands per month gold farming.
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.
This means 'crying emoji,' commonly used to express exaggerated sadness, humor, or dramatic reactions in conversations. It reflects a playful way to convey emotions online.
When I saw this bad news, I sent a crying emoji.
Literally 'melon seeds', this term is commonly used to describe someone who is watching a situation unfold, akin to a spectator. It reflects a casual attitude toward events, as if one is merely enjoying some snacks wh...
I’ll just be a spectator, enjoying the show.
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 'everyone can,' this phrase emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, often used to encourage participation or action among a wide audience.
This competition is open to everyone; hurry up and sign up!
Translates to 'cloud pet', this term refers to virtual pets or pets that can be interacted with online rather than physical ones. It reflects a shift in how people engage with companionship in a digital space.
I've raised a cloud pet in the game; it's super cute.
Seed phrase / Mnemonic - Recovery words for your crypto wallet.
Write your seed phrase on paper, do not store it on your phone.
Translating to 'echo', it refers to situations where one's words or opinions resonate with others, often used in discussions about social media trends or content that gains a lot of attention.
This video has a big echo; everyone is discussing it.
This phrase means 'divergent thinking' and is used to describe a creative approach where multiple ideas are generated. It is often discussed in contexts of brainstorming or problem-solving.
During this meeting, we encourage everyone to engage in divergent thinking.
'Milk tea literature' describes content that is overly sweet, superficial, or trendy—often found in social media posts. It highlights the shift towards aesthetics over substance in online discourse.
This article is really milk tea literature; I gained nothing from reading it.
This term, which means 'little vest', refers to a secondary account or persona that people create, often for anonymity or to express different sides of themselves online.
I use a secondary account to express myself on the forum and protect my privacy.
This phrase humorously means 'fire tongs Liu Ming' but is a play on words for '火前留名' (leave your name before the fire). It's used when someone wants to leave a lasting impression or create a memorable moment.
I must make a memorable impact in this competition!
Translating to 'super energetic', this term conveys excitement and enthusiasm about something. It reflects positive feelings about experiences, events, or trends.
This song is super energetic; it makes me want to dance.
Badass / amazing / f***ing awesome — abbreviation of 牛逼 (niú bī), literally "cow vagina" but used exclusively to mean incredibly impressive, powerful, or cool. One of the most common Chinese slang compliments.
That move is absolutely NB (badass)!
Translating to 'varied brainwashing', this term is used metaphorically to describe methods of persuasion that are overly repetitive or creative. It often relates to how advertisers or influencers try to convince people.
This ad is truly varied brainwashing; after hearing it once, I want to buy it.
Translating to 'foreshadowing', this term is often used in storytelling to refer to hints or clues that predict future events. Online, it's also used to discuss plot twists in dramas.
The foreshadowing in this drama is really clever, building anticipation.
Referring to the phenomenon of being overly accommodating or pleasing to 'homebodies' or fans, often in online communities. It implies creating content that caters to niche preferences.
The content of these videos is really catering to homebodies; it perfectly matches my taste.
This term means 'super topic', referring to a specific fandom or community discussion thread on social media platforms like Weibo. It’s where fans gather to talk about their favorite celebrities or themes.
I saw many interesting discussions in a certain super topic today.
This term translates to 'contrast cuteness', describing a situation or character where their appearance contradicts their personality, creating an unexpected charm. It’s often used in discussions about characters in m...
The contrast cuteness of this character leaves a deep impression.
Translating to 'out of the mainstream,' this term refers to things or people that are not considered fashionable or popular. It's often used to describe someone or something that is seen as low quality or out of touch.
This phone is a bit out of the mainstream; not many people use it.
Backdoor deal / nepotism / ass-kissing transaction — PY is a vulgar abbreviation for 屁眼 (pì yǎn, "a**hole"). PY交易 refers to shady deals done through personal connections, favors, or bribery rather than merit. Used to ...
This award is obviously a backdoor deal — has nothing to do with actual talent.
Referring to 'Jack Ma's return', this term describes a surprising comeback, especially in business or entertainment. It evokes the dramatic flair of unexpected success.
His idea feels like a surprising comeback from Jack Ma.
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!
Referring to 'Douyin lilies', this term is associated with the coupling of unexpected or quirky pairs, often seen in humorous content on Douyin. It emphasizes the fun of unusual pairings.
This combination is just like Douyin lilies; it's so interesting!
Translating to 'Douyin earthy flavor,' this term describes content that feels rustic or unrefined but is popular on short-video platforms like Douyin. It often embraces a certain charm that appeals to audiences.
His videos have a kind of earthy flavor that makes them especially popular.
Translating to 'top trending topics across the internet,' this term is used to describe something that has gained widespread attention online. It often refers to news or events that capture the collective interest.
This topic has recently become a top trending search across the internet.
Gary Stu - Male equivalent of Mary Sue.
The male lead is a Gary Stu, can do everything.
'Store exploration' refers to the act of visiting new or trendy shops, usually for food, fashion, or unique experiences. It is often shared through social media, especially in posts or videos showcasing the exploratio...
Today we went store exploring and found a super delicious restaurant.
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.
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.
Going to zero - When a cryptocurrency loses all its value.
This coin went to zero, all invested money is gone.
Translating to 'too fragrant,' this term is often used metaphorically to describe something that is extremely appealing or attractive, whether it’s food, a person, or an idea.
This new game is so appealing; I can’t wait to play!
Translating to 'a relaxed moment,' this phrase is used to refer to funny or lighthearted content meant to provide laughter and relieve stress. It’s commonly found in social media posts and videos.
This video was truly a relaxed moment; it made me laugh.
Literally 'asking for likes,' it refers to the desire for social media validation through likes or shares. Many users express this jokingly to acknowledge their desire for online approval.
I posted a new photo; I’m asking for likes!
This term means 'reverse sculpture', often referring to creating a new trend or style that opposes the mainstream. It's used in fashion, art, and cultural discussions about nonconformity.
His designs are always reverse sculptures, challenging traditional aesthetics.
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.
This refers to the popular video game 'Genshin Impact,' which has a massive following in China. It often symbolizes high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and a strong community of fans.
Recently, everyone is discussing the new character in Genshin Impact; we’re really looking forward to it.
Translating to 'only wolf,' this term refers to a tough, single character, often evoking a sense of independence or resilience. It’s frequently used in gaming contexts to describe lone warriors.
He always acts alone; he's truly a lone wolf.
Translating to 'worship of happiness', this term denotes a culture or mindset that prioritizes positivity, cheerfulness, and personal happiness above all else. It often critiques superficial positivity that neglects d...
In this society of happiness worship, many people dare not express negative emotions.
Translating to 'ride the hot spots', this term refers to the practice of taking advantage of trending topics or events to gain attention or relevance, especially in marketing and social media.
Many brands leverage hot spots to increase their visibility.
Meaning 'big clearance sale', this term is often used in marketing contexts to indicate a significant price drop or promotion. It's commonly used on e-commerce platforms to attract buyers.
This brand's products are now on big clearance sale; come grab them!
Meaning 'unclear meaning', this term is often used in discussions about memes or posts that are confusing or nonsensical. It can describe a lack of clarity in intentions or messages.
The meaning of this picture is unclear, leaving people puzzled.
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.
Palace intrigue - scheming and drama in any social setting
The palace intrigue at our company is even more dramatic than Empresses in the Palace.
Translating to 'speak carefully,' this term advises caution in conversations, especially regarding sensitive topics. It emphasizes the importance of choosing words wisely.
Everyone should speak carefully when discussing this issue.
Meaning 'Under the Spotlight', this term describes someone who enjoys being the center of attention or is always in the public eye. It is often used for influencers or celebrities.
She always loves a life under the spotlight.
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