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.
Meaning 'asking for collections', this term is commonly used by content creators to encourage viewers to bookmark or save their work. It reflects the desire for social media engagement and preservation.
If you like this article, please bookmark it!
Literally meaning 'daughter's rice,' this term refers to fans who are particularly devoted to female idols in the entertainment industry. It reflects the culture around fandom and idol worship.
She is a devoted fan of female idols, following their updates every day.
Translating to 'carnival,' this term is used to describe wild, festive parties or celebrations that are marked by unrestrained fun and enthusiasm. It's common in social media discussions about nightlife or events.
There's a carnival this weekend; everyone come join!
This term refers to the 'programming life' or lifestyle of programmers, often implying a humorous or exaggerated take on the challenges and quirks associated with coding and tech work.
As a programmer, my programming life is really tough.
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.
Translating to 'frequently disconnecting,' this phrase is often used to describe unreliable internet connections or distractions in discussions. It humorously reflects frustration with technology.
I've been frequently disconnecting today; I'm so frustrated.
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!
Literally rivers and lakes — the shadowy world of martial artists, outlaws, and wanderers in wuxia fiction. Online, used metaphorically for any competitive social world with unspoken rules: the office, the internet, t...
This company is a real jianghu — people's hearts are hard to read.
Translating to 'see through', it is used when someone can understand the underlying truth of a situation or person, often implying a sense of wisdom.
She saw through his lies.
Meaning 'to rhyme', this term is often used in creative contexts relating to poetry, rap lyrics, or catchy phrases in music. It highlights the artistic expression in language.
His lyrics always rhyme and sound very pleasant.
The Moonlight Treasure Box — the magical time-traveling artifact from A Chinese Odyssey that can reset time and take you back to undo your mistakes. Used online as a metaphor for anything that lets you start over: a g...
I wish I had a Moonlight Treasure Box so I could go back and choose a different major.
Literally 'chips girl', this term describes a girl who is casual and carefree, often eating snacks like potato chips. It is used in social media to depict a fun, laid-back attitude, often in a humorous way.
She is just a chips girl, always enjoying life under the sun.
Translating to 'fake foreign devil', this term refers to someone who pretends to be foreign or adopts foreign culture superficially, often for social status. It can carry a derogatory connotation when critiquing such ...
He always speaks English, what a fake foreign devil.
This term means 'cloud raising dogs', referring to people who do not own pets but enjoy following and watching pet accounts online. It captures the essence of digital pet ownership through social media, where people f...
Although I don't have a dog, I enjoy cloud raising dogs by watching pet videos every day.
Literally meaning 'invisible rich people', this term is used to describe individuals who appear ordinary but have significant wealth. Often used in discussions about wealth disparity and social status online.
He looks very ordinary; he's truly an invisible rich person.
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.
Translating to 'increase knowledge,' this term is used to describe a situation where someone learns something new and interesting, often in an enlightening or surprising context. It's a positive expression of growth o...
Reading this article really increased my knowledge; I learned a lot of new things.
This phrase means 'to chase the plot,' referring to the act of following a series or drama closely, often binge-watching episodes. It's commonly used among fans of series.
I've been chasing a new drama lately; it's so good!
Literally meaning 'big move,' this term is primarily used in gaming to refer to a powerful skill or ability that can turn the tide of a battle. It's also used metaphorically in other contexts to describe a significant...
He used a big move in the match and turned the situation around.
Referring to the 'knife circle', this slang is used for fans or enthusiasts of extreme sports or activities that involve danger. It often encompasses a community that enjoys chatting about their favorite risky hobbies.
After joining the knife circle, I met many like-minded friends.
Literally meaning 'hotpot fierce', this slang term is often used to describe someone's enthusiasm for hotpot, a popular dining experience in China. It can also imply a general zest for life or passion for food.
She's really into hotpot; she eats it at least once a week.
Translating to 'magical nature,' this term describes something that is captivating or irresistibly addictive, often used in relation to songs, memes, or trends that are impossible to forget.
This song is really captivating; I can't help but want to listen to it again.
Translating to 'labeling', this term can describe the tendency to categorize individuals or things based on preconceived notions or stereotypes, often used in discussions about social media.
We should oppose labeling and be more inclusive when we see others.
Meaning 'soul', this term is often used to refer to someone who is deeply expressive or holds profound insights. It’s often used in artistic or philosophical discussions.
This painting has a profound soul, prompting reflection.
'Little blue man' refers to a user on social media who shares absurd or humorous opinions. It’s often used to describe meme creators.
The jokes from this little blue man are so funny that I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Translating to 'unpacking gifts', this term is popularly used in the context of reactions to content creators opening gifts or products on live streams or videos. It reflects a trend where audiences enjoy the anticipa...
This streamer's unpacking gift videos are so interesting; everyone is waiting for her reviews.
Literally means 'dreamy opening', it describes a perfect or ideal start to a situation, particularly in gaming or competitive contexts. It’s often used humorously to highlight fortunate beginnings.
In this match, I had a dreamy opening, taking an early lead.
Translating to 'internet spirit', this phrase refers to the culture of sharing, openness, and innovation characterizing the internet age. It embodies the ethos of connectivity and collaboration.
We should promote the internet spirit and create the future together.
Bull market - A rising market where prices are going up.
The bull market is here, everyone is making money.
Translating to 'seeking the truth,' this term is often used in response to scandals or gossip, reflecting a desire for transparency and honesty. It shows skepticism towards surface-level information.
What’s the truth behind this incident? Everyone is seeking answers.
This phrase means 'to gain followers', often used in the context of social media where users seek to increase their follower count. It reflects the importance of online presence and popularity in today's digital lands...
My recent livestream has attracted many people; I'm clearly gaining followers.
Literally meaning 'not a human,' this term is often used to describe someone who is exceptionally good at something, to the point where their skills seem superhuman. It can be used seriously or humorously.
Her talent in dancing is truly not human.
This number is used as a slang term representing various things, from '3-6-9' as a meme to signify mystery and unpredictability. It often pops up in humorous contexts.
He always likes to use 369 to tease everyone.
This slang translates to 'wit duel,' used to describe situations where individuals engage in clever banter or arguments, often filled with humor and sarcasm. It showcases the art of verbal sparring.
They were engaging in a wit duel in the comments; it was very fun.
Literally 'fake cigarettes', this term is often used to describe counterfeit or subpar products, especially in a humorous context. It can refer to anything that is not genuine or authentic.
The quality of this clothing is really subpar.
Involution - excessive, often pointless competition among peers. Originally an academic term, now used to describe rat-race behavior where people work harder just to stay in place.
The job market is so competitive now, everyone is getting certifications.
Literally 'idol burden,' this term is used to describe the pressure and responsibility that public figures or idols feel to maintain their image. It indicates the expectations placed on them by fans and society.
As an idol, she often feels the burden of maintaining her image.
Translating to 'the entire internet,' this term is used to emphasize that something is widely known or discussed across various online platforms.
This issue is being widely discussed across the entire internet.
This term means 'to become a sensation across the internet', used to describe trends or individuals that go viral and gain massive attention online. It's often applied to videos, memes, or social movements.
This challenge video has become a sensation across the internet; everyone is imitating it.
Whitelist - Approved list for early access to NFT mints or token sales.
I finally got on the whitelist!
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.
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.
This term, meaning 'cloud raising,' refers to the trend of adopting pets or caring for virtual animals online, often through social media platforms. It's especially popular among those who enjoy the idea of pets but m...
I adopted a virtual cat online, and I send it pictures every day.
The Nine Yin Manual — the supreme martial arts scripture in Jin Yong's The Legend of the Condor Heroes, containing the ultimate secrets of combat. Online, used for any comprehensive, authoritative guide or resource th...
This interview prep resource is basically the Nine Yin Manual — it has everything.
Burst out laughing — the explosive, uncontrollable laughter associated with Stephen Chow's comedic style. Used as both a reaction word in comments and as an adjective to describe content that is hilariously funny at a...
I burst out laughing every time I watch this clip — Master Xing is truly a genius.
Translating to 'growing grass', this term is used to describe a collection of items that one has acquired or plans to enjoy later. It's often used in gaming and entertainment contexts to express anticipation for conte...
I have a bunch of anime I want to watch when I find the time.
Translating to 'one-on-one,' this term describes direct interactions or discussions typically between two people. It can emphasize personal attention and individual interactions.
We can have one-on-one guidance; it will be more effective.
Translating to 'headphone group,' this term describes people who prefer to listen to music or podcasts through headphones rather than engaging in conversations in public spaces, embodying a sense of personal space.
On the subway, I'm part of the headphone group; I love listening to music.
This term translates to 'suicidal screen scrolling' and describes when someone excessively posts content or comments, overwhelming social media feeds. It conveys a humorous frustration about over-sharing.
He flooded my social media feed tonight; I can barely keep up.
Meaning 'tug of war', this term is used metaphorically to describe a situation where two parties are in intense competition or conflict over something.
The competition between these two companies is like a tug of war.
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