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 '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.
Translating to 'hugging a big thigh', this slang means to seek support or connection with someone powerful or influential. It often implies relying on others for help instead of self-reliance.
He always tries to hug a big thigh; it’s really boring.
Translating to 'begging-style socializing,' this term is used to describe people who seek attention and validation on social media, often in an exaggerated manner, similar to begging for likes and comments.
His posts are all begging-style socializing; I really can't stand it.
This humorous phrase translates to 'parents’ ceiling' and refers to the pressure children feel to meet their parents' expectations or standards. It highlights the generational gap in ambitions and aspirations.
I feel like I have a long way to go to meet my parents' ceiling.
This slang is used to denote being 'cool' or 'awesome'. It sounds like the Chinese words for 'smooth' and is often used to compliment someone's style.
Your new hairstyle is really cool!
Translating to 'friend circle,' it refers to the social networking feature in WeChat where users can share updates and photos. It symbolizes the importance of social media in maintaining connections.
I just posted a new photo on my friend circle.
Translating to 'to use cheats,' this term refers to using hacks or cheats in video games. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone receiving unfair advantages in life.
He's using cheats in the game; it's so unfair.
Digital side dish; addictive short-form content watched during meals
I have to scroll some short videos while eating — otherwise something feels missing.
Translating to 'mortal cultivates immortality,' this phrase is often used humorously to describe someone striving for greatness or enlightenment, often in a way that seems unrealistic or overly ambitious.
He has been studying those books about mortals cultivating immortality.
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!
Translates to 'really amazing' or 'really awesome.' It's used to express admiration, often in response to impressive achievements or talents.
His performance was really amazing, it opened my eyes.
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.
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.
Using the English word, it refers to those individuals who are overly dramatic or emotional in their reactions. This term highlights the exaggerated emotional responses often seen in social media interactions.
His Weibo posts are like throwing a pile of hormones; it’s so exaggerated.
This phrase means 'to join in the fun' or 'to make a scene' and is often used when people participate in social events or trends just for the excitement, rather than having a specific goal.
They are just joining in for the fun; they don’t care about the essence of the matter.
Literally '宅男', this term is a play on 'otaku,' referring to individuals who are deeply devoted to their hobbies, particularly in gaming or anime, often at the expense of social life. It carries a humorous or self-dep...
I'm such an otaku; I stay home every day to play games.
'油管' is a colloquial term for YouTube, derived from its name meaning 'oil pipes.' It refers to the platform itself or the content therein, often used by younger audiences for sharing videos.
I found a lot of interesting videos on YouTube.
Literally 'dry goods', this term refers to valuable or useful information, often shared in educational or professional contexts. It emphasizes practicality and substance.
This article has a lot of valuable information; it's worth reading.
This term translates to 'immortal operation' and refers to extraordinary skills or talents, especially in gaming or sports. It denotes actions that are exceptionally impressive or seemingly beyond the ordinary.
His skills are truly exceptional; they leave people in awe.
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.
Literally 'crazy about chicken', this is a slang term for being obsessed with winning in battle royale games, particularly 'PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds' (PUBG). It implies a competitive and enthusiastic gaming culture.
I've been crazy about winning chicken dinners lately, playing games every day.
Translating to 'battle chicken', it refers to a highly motivated or resilient person, particularly in competitive contexts. It emphasizes fighting spirit.
In this industry, you need to be a battle chicken to succeed.
Literally 'burying a hint,' this term is used to describe the practice of leaving subtle clues or references, often in content creation or storytelling. It encourages audience engagement and speculation.
She left many hints in the video, and everyone is discussing them.
Of all martial arts under heaven, only speed is unbreakable. A famous wuxia maxim used online to justify doing anything fast — fast replies, fast shipping, fast food, fast decisions — with mock martial-arts gravitas.
For food delivery, the only unbreakable skill is speed.
Literally 'shadow friend,' this term refers to someone who follows another person's life closely on social media without actively engaging or being a real-life friend. It's often used to describe silent followers who ...
I have many shadow friends on Weibo; they always silently watch my updates.
This term, meaning 'forced interaction,' refers to situations where engagement feels artificial or coerced, often used in social media contexts.
The atmosphere in this live stream is so awkward; it feels like forced interaction.
This term translates to 'private collection' and describes things, like music or media, that someone keeps for themselves, often referring to hidden gems that are not widely known. It evokes a sense of exclusivity.
I have some hidden music gems I want to share with you.
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.
Literally 'a versatile celebrity', this term describes someone who can adapt to various roles or situations with ease. It’s often used in entertainment to praise multifaceted talents.
This celebrity is truly versatile, able to handle any type of role.
Meaning 'European luck', this term is used to describe someone who has good luck or favorable outcomes, particularly in games or competitions. It's often used light-heartedly to tease someone who has had a streak of g...
I always have good luck in the lottery; I'm really fortunate.
Literally 'programming dream', it refers to the aspirations of tech enthusiasts and programmers who dream of creating innovative software or games. It showcases the ambition within the tech community.
He has a programming dream of developing an app that could change the world.
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!
Meaning 'creation' or 'to create,' this term is often used in the context of content creation on social media. It conveys the act of generating something new, whether it's art, video, or any other form of content.
I create new content every day to share with everyone.
Translating to 'truth', this term is often used in discussions surrounding uncovering facts or realities, particularly in relation to scandals or rumors. It conveys the pursuit of deeper understanding in a situation.
Everyone is guessing; what is the truth?
This term, taken directly from English, is used humorously to refer to someone who is exceptionally talented or skilled at a particular activity, as in 'CEO of (something).' It implies masterful control or influence.
He is truly the CEO of skills in the game; no doubt about it.
Literally 'little knife enthusiasts,' this term refers to people who are passionate about collecting or using knives, often in niche online communities. It reflects a hobbyist culture.
He’s a little knife enthusiast; he always shows me his collection.
Translating to 'mass production,' this term describes the phenomenon of generating content quickly and frequently, often without much depth or quality. It critiques the oversaturation of low-quality media.
Many videos on platforms now are mass-produced and lack creativity.
Means 'thick makeup and heavy adornment.' It is often used to describe overly done appearances in a somewhat humorous or critical tone, especially in social media contexts.
Her heavy makeup today shocked me a bit.
Literally meaning 'vulture,' this term has been adapted to label internet users who obsessively pick apart and analyze every detail of a subject, often critiquing it harshly. It carries a negative connotation.
The comment section of that article is filled with vultures, arguing incessantly.
This term means 'social media' and is used to describe various online platforms where users interact, share content, and build communities. It reflects the modern way people connect and communicate in the digital age.
Social media has changed the way we communicate.
Literally meaning 'check the water meter', this term has become a euphemism for someone coming to check on you when you’re not supposed to be doing something, often implying an unwelcome intrusion.
You've been working from home too long, and now a friend comes to check on you; it’s really inconvenient.
Scientist / Bot operator - Someone who uses bots and scripts to gain advantages in DeFi.
Scientists grabbed all the good projects again.
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.
This term means 'spoiler', and it refers to revealing important plot details about movies or shows. It’s often used in discussions about keeping surprises intact for viewers.
Don't spoil it; leave me some surprises.
Literally 'technology homebody,' this term describes someone who is very much into technology, often at the expense of socializing. It reflects a fascination with gadgets, gaming, and online communities.
He's a tech homebody, almost playing every newly released game daily.
Bear market - A declining market where prices are falling.
In a bear market learn patience, do not panic sell.
Literally 'seeking help,' this term is often used in online forums or social media when someone is looking for advice or assistance. It reflects a communal aspect of problem-solving.
Can anyone help me solve this problem? Seeking help!
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.
Translating to 'closed program,' this term refers to systems or platforms that limit access or communication, often used in the context of social networks or user interactions.
These social apps are increasingly like closed programs; I feel isolated.
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.
Page 7 of 25 — 1,228 total terms