This section of the Chinese Slang Dictionary focuses on Savage Humor 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.
If a person has no dreams, what is the difference between them and a salted fish? The most famous line from Stephen Chow's 2001 film Shaolin Soccer. Used online both sincerely as a motivational call to action and humo...
If you have no dreams, what separates you from a salted fish? Go find a job!
Literally meaning 'rebellious', it describes someone who goes against the norm or authority, often in a humorous or light-hearted manner. This term is often used in youth culture.
He’s a rebellious youth, always ready to challenge authority.
Once you are in the jianghu, you cannot control your own fate. This iconic wuxia phrase captures the idea that once you are part of a world — a job, a relationship, a social circle — you lose the freedom to simply wal...
I do not want to work overtime either, but once you are in it, you cannot control your fate.
This phrase translates to 'blue and thin mushroom' and is a humorous expression of sadness or disappointment, stemming from a viral video. The absurd imagery makes it memorable and funny.
I didn't pass the exam; I'm really feeling blue and thin mushroom.
This term literally means 'sour and refreshing' and is used to describe a feeling of satisfaction after a minor triumph or a sweet revenge. It's often used in contexts where someone feels vindicated, especially after ...
His rebuttal was truly satisfying.
Literally meaning 'fur explosions,' this term is used to describe someone who reacts strongly or gets easily irritated, especially in a humorous context. It can refer to someone getting upset over something trivial.
Upon seeing that comment, she got irritated instantly!
Literally means 'Dong Shi imitating the frown', it describes someone trying too hard to imitate or follow trends without an understanding of what is appropriate or suitable for them.
Her imitation is really like Dong Shi trying to frown; it doesn’t suit her at all.
This phrase translates to 'life is hard, don’t unpack it,' indicating that some things are too harsh to explain or dwell on, often used to convey a shared understanding of life's struggles.
Hearing this news, I can only sigh that life is hard, don’t unpack it.
Despicable people are just being dramatic - a cutting insult from 甄嬛传
You're crying over something this small? Despicable people are just being dramatic.
Argument demon - Someone who argues about everything just to be contrary.
He is an argument demon, contradicting everything.
Meaning 'to pick up lunch boxes', this term refers to experiencing failure or a setback, often in a humorous context. It highlights the feeling of disappointment in life.
He failed the exam this time; it’s truly regrettable.
Translating to 'awkward chat,' this term is used to describe conversations that are uncomfortable or forced, often indicating a lack of chemistry between speakers.
Talking with him is just an awkward chat.
Idiot / fool / half-wit — one of the oldest Chinese insults. Calling someone a 250 implies they are half a person's worth, not quite all there. The origin traces to ancient China where 500 coins formed one full string...
You idiot — you even messed up something this simple!
Translating to 'chuunibyou', it refers to a syndrome common among adolescents who have delusions of grandeur or believe they possess unique abilities. This term humorously captures the dramatic and often unrealistic s...
His behavior is totally chuunibyou; he's a self-centered kid.
Literally means 'Mr. Almost.' This term describes someone who is overly casual or indifferent about details, often resulting in subpar outcomes.
He is always Mr. Almost when it comes to work, making it hard for people to trust him.
To win people over through virtue rather than force. In wuxia, the ideal of a true master who earns respect through moral character, not just fighting ability. Online, often used ironically when someone dominates but ...
The boss says he leads through virtue — but our bonuses have not increased by a cent.
If you have money you are the boss — a blunt Beijing observation about how wealth determines social status and treatment. 大爷 means a respected elder or someone of standing. The phrase says: money is the only thing tha...
In this society, if you have money you are the boss — if you have no money, nobody listens to you.
Meaning 'to show off coolness,' this term describes someone trying to appear stylish or impressive, often in a playful or humorous way.
He always tries to show off at gatherings; everyone finds it a bit funny.
Translating to 'IQ tax,' this term humorously refers to the idea that people sometimes pay for things that they should have known better than to buy, reflecting a foolish decision. It's often used in consumer discussi...
Buying this product is truly paying an IQ tax; it’s completely useless.
Lemon spirit / Sour grapes - A jealous person who cannot be happy for others.
Stop being jealous, they worked hard for it.
Translating to 'mood dog', this slang depicts someone whose mood changes frequently or who expresses their feelings openly, especially online.
Today I feel like a mood dog, both melancholic and happy.
This term translates to 'grinding person,' referring to someone who is annoying or bothersome, often in a playful or affectionate context.
Stop being annoying and just tell me the answer!
Translating to 'sprinkling salt', this term is used in the context of adding a touch of shade or sarcasm to a conversation, often implying a humorous or playful jab at someone.
He always likes to sprinkle some shade in the group and tease everyone.
This phrase translates to 'working is not possible' and is often used humorously to express the aspiration to avoid traditional work, reflecting a desire for financial independence without the constraints of conventio...
My goal is to quit my job; working is not possible for me.
This term roughly translates to 'mouth high' and is used to describe people who talk big or boast without taking action. It often highlights the difference between words and deeds, especially in competitive contexts.
He always talks big but never puts it into action.
Meaning 'pushing the pot', similar to '甩锅', this term is used for transferring blame or responsibility onto someone else, often in a humorous context.
He always pushes the blame onto others, which I find very frustrating.
This term is derived from the sound of crying and expresses emotional distress or sadness, particularly in a humorous context. It’s often used in memes or comments when expressing minor complaints.
I got scolded by the boss again today, uu.
Translating to 'high-level black,' this term describes witty, sophisticated sarcasm or criticism that is clever and layered. It is used to express sarcasm without being overtly aggressive.
His comment was truly high-level black, making everyone burst into laughter.
This term mimics the sound of beeping and is used to describe annoying or nagging behavior. It's often used humorously to refer to overly critical or irritating comments.
He’s always beeping in my ear, making me very annoyed.
Translates to 'photo scam', this term is used to refer to images that are highly edited or filtered, leading to misleading perceptions of appearance. It's often used in discussions about online authenticity.
Her photos look beautiful, but they are actually a photo scam.
Translating to 'crazy stone', this term is used to describe something quirky or unexpected, often in a humorous context. It conveys a sense of absurdity.
His behavior is just like a crazy stone.
Translating to 'steady as an old dog', this term describes someone who remains calm and composed during challenges or difficult situations. It’s often used humorously to emphasize reliability.
During the competition, his performance was steady as an old dog, showing no nervousness.
An onomatopoeic expression representing crying or whining, often used in a humorous context to express feeling sad or frustrated but in a light-hearted way. It's commonly seen in text and emoji usage online.
The weather today is really bad; boohoo.
Idiot / dumbass / moron — abbreviation of 傻逼 (shǎ bī), a strong insult combining 傻 (stupid) and 逼 (vulgar term). One of the most common Chinese insults online. The abbreviation is used to soften the visual impact.
This person is such an SB — nothing they say makes any sense.
While this term literally means 'vegetable', in internet slang, it refers to someone being inexperienced or not skilled, especially in gaming contexts. It reflects humorous self-deprecation or the teasing of others.
He’s so bad at gaming; he always loses.
This term means 'to show off' or 'to act cool,' and is often used to describe someone who has an attitude or swagger. It can be used positively to praise someone or negatively to criticize arrogance.
He always acts so cool, it's really unbearable.
Translating to 'chicken soup literature', this term refers to overly sentimental or motivational writing that aims to uplift readers. It can be used sarcastically to critique overly simple or cliché advice.
These chicken soup articles make me feel bored.
Translates to 'smash cucumber,' and is used humorously to describe actions that are awkward or clumsy. It is often employed in a playful manner to diffuse embarrassing situations.
I was so clumsy at the gathering today, it was really embarrassing.
This term means 'not understanding' and is often used humorously to express confusion or bewilderment in discussions, particularly when faced with complex or contradictory opinions.
Your logic really confuses me.
Translating to 'irritable' or 'hasty', this term is used to describe someone who is easily angered or quick-tempered. It often conveys a sense of frustration or impatience.
He’s really irritable; he gets angry at the slightest inconvenience.
Literally 'seriously doubt,' this phrase is often used humorously to express skepticism about something that seems too good to be true. It indicates doubts about authenticity.
I seriously doubt his promise this time.
Translating to 'old eight forms,' this phrase denotes a set of eight typical behaviors or patterns that are often predictable or cliché. It is used to mock or criticize those who adhere to these patterns.
He’s at it again; it’s the same old predictable behavior.
This term means 'to distance oneself' from a situation or responsibility, often used when someone tries to clear their name or avoid blame. It implies a tactic of self-preservation.
He constantly distanced himself during the argument to avoid being implicated.
Literally meaning 'pufferfish,' this term is often used to describe something that is dangerous yet appealing, much like the dish made from pufferfish which can be toxic if not prepared correctly.
This adventure is like a pufferfish, both thrilling and dangerous.
This phrase means 'deceiving me is non-negotiable,' used to express a strong reaction to being tricked or fooled. It's often used humorously in response to surprising news or situations.
You didn't even tell me about this; deceiving me is non-negotiable!
Short for 'double standards', this term describes the hypocrisy of being lenient or harsh toward different people or situations based on biased views. It's often used in social justice discussions.
His double standards in this matter are very annoying.
So broke you can hear the coins clinking — a vivid, humorous Beijing expression for extreme poverty. The image is your last few coins rattling around in an otherwise empty wallet. Used to describe being flat broke wit...
The week before payday I am so broke I can hear coins clinking — only eating steamed buns at home.
This term refers to someone who acts sophisticated but lacks substance or depth. Literally, it translates to 'American ginseng,' symbolizing something that appears valuable but isn’t.
He always pretends to be sophisticated, but he actually knows nothing.
Translating to 'truth,' this term is often used humorously to refer to statements or beliefs that are seen as universally accepted truths in a light-hearted manner. It emphasizes a sense of wisdom or understanding.
This saying is the truth; I completely agree.
This term means 'bad idea' and is often used sarcastically to dismiss someone's suggestion or plan. It encapsulates a humorous tone when expressing disagreement or disbelief in someone's proposal.
Do you think this plan is feasible? I think it's a bad idea.
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