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.
This term, borrowed from gaming, refers to 'non-player character' but is used to describe people who are perceived as lacking independent thought, often following trends without question. It's used humorously to point...
He keeps agreeing in the group; he’s such an NPC.
Referring to a low-cost or inferior quality, this term can signify something that’s cheap or not worth much. It’s also used to mock poorly made items or services.
This piece of clothing is really cheap; the quality is terrible.
Meaning 'slipped away,' this term is often used humorously to indicate someone is leaving quickly or escaping a situation, especially when they want to avoid responsibility.
This party is too boring; I’ve decided to slip away.
Meaning 'to doze off', this term can be used metaphorically to describe being inattentive or uninterested in something. It's often used humorously in casual conversations.
Listening to this speech, I almost dozed off.
Translating to 'smelly without a face', this slang is used to describe someone who is shameless or audacious, often in a negative context. It highlights behaviors that disregard social norms.
He actually lied in front of everyone; what a shameless person.
Translates to 'weak chicken', it's a self-deprecating term used to describe oneself or someone else as weak or not skilled, often humorously in the context of gaming or competition.
I'm just a weak chicken, I can't beat them.
Literally meaning 'aunt', in slang it often refers to middle-aged women who are enthusiastic about shopping or fashion, sometimes humorously poking fun at their style choices. It reflects societal norms around age and...
She is wearing aunt-style clothes, which is really funny.
Meaning 'not serious', this term describes a person or their actions that are playful, humorous, or not entirely earnest. It’s often used to label someone who is just having fun or goofing off.
He is always not serious, but it’s always fun to be with him.
This term means 'to get lost' and in internet slang, it's used humorously to describe situations where someone is confused or has lost track of the conversation. It can also refer to getting sidetracked.
I got lost in this topic; can you help me?
Meaning 'free adult content,' this term is often used in online discussions and is associated with explicit or suggestive materials that are available without a charge. It can be paired with humor or playful banter.
She always knows where to find the latest free adult content.
Referring to someone who has connections or relationships that benefit them, this term highlights the importance of networking in Chinese society. It can be used to describe both advantageous personal and professional...
In this industry, those with connections always have an advantage.
Means 'to backtalk' or 'defy authority,' often used when someone speaks back to someone in a confrontational manner. It has a humorous connotation in friendly banter.
Kids always like to backtalk, leaving adults helpless.
Literally meaning 'lock throat', this term describes a situation where someone is so overwhelmed or shocked that they can't respond or express themselves. It's often used humorously in reaction to unexpected news.
Hearing this news, I was completely taken aback.
Translates to 'friction,' this term describes conflict or tension between individuals, often in a humorous or exaggerated context. It highlights misunderstandings or disagreements that have become a source of amusement.
Those two are always clashing, but we all find it amusing.
Translating to 'vegetable market,' this term is often used to describe chaotic or loud situations. It reflects a humorous comparison to the bustling and noisy atmosphere of traditional markets.
This meeting is like a vegetable market; everyone is shouting.
Scheming / Calculating - Being strategic or manipulative.
She is too calculating, be careful.
Translating to 'lose value', this term describes situations where someone feels they have diminished their worth, often due to embarrassing actions or experiences. It conveys a sense of shame.
My performance at the party made me feel worthless.
High maintenance / Drama queen - Being unnecessarily difficult or creating drama.
She is too high maintenance, her boyfriend cannot stand it.
Translating to 'sour grape mentality', this term describes the behavior of downplaying something one cannot attain, often used in discussions about envy and acceptance. It signifies a form of rationalization for not a...
He thought that car was too expensive, so he started to exhibit a sour grape mentality.
Meaning 'combo punches,' this term describes a series of tactics or strategies used in tandem to achieve a goal or solve a problem. It can refer to approaches in various fields, including marketing and gaming.
To increase sales, we need to use a combo of strategies.
This term means to 'manipulate' or 'arrange,' often used in contexts where someone is controlled by another or when actions are orchestrated by someone in charge. It carries a humorous connotation.
He's always being 'manipulated' by his friends, having no opinion of his own.
Literally translating to 'featherweight,' this term is used to describe someone or something that is light or insignificant, often in a joking context about people's capabilities or achievements. It can signify a lack...
His work performance is truly insignificant; it’s hardly worth mentioning.
Literally meaning 'to create events', this term implies stirring up trouble or causing drama, often in a playful or mischievous manner. It can refer to initiating gossip or controversies.
He always likes to stir up trouble; it’s really frustrating.
Translating to 'just start tearing apart at the first disagreement,' this phrase describes people who quickly escalate arguments or conflicts, especially in online discourse.
They start tearing each other apart at the first disagreement; it’s really frustrating.
Translating to 'pretend to be serious,' this phrase describes situations where someone acts serious while being humorous or sarcastic about something trivial.
At gatherings like this, he always likes to pretend to be serious.
White lotus - Someone who pretends to be pure and innocent.
She pretends to be innocent but is very calculating.
Means 'got cheated' or 'duped'. It’s frequently used to describe situations where someone feels they were misled or tricked, often in a light-hearted manner. This term has a playful undertone.
I bought a cheap item and ended up feeling cheated.
Short for 'mental split', this term humorously describes someone who displays seemingly contradictory behaviors or opinions. It often alludes to the complexities of personality or mental states.
She’s a bit of a mental split; today she really wants to go out, but tomorrow she doesn’t want to see anyone.
Literally meaning 'water in the brain,' this slang is used to describe someone acting foolishly or irrationally, as if they are confused. It's often used in a light-hearted, joking context.
How could he say something like that? He must really have water in his brain.
Meaning 'laughing to tears', this term is used to describe extreme amusement or the absurdity of a situation. It's often represented by an emoticon and conveys a mix of joy and disbelief.
This video is so funny that it made me laugh to tears.
Translating to 'don't ask me', this phrase is typically used as a humorous way to avoid a question or to imply that the answer is complicated or embarrassing. It's often a part of meme culture.
My life has been too complicated lately; don’t ask me.
Meaning 'hitting the edge ball', this term refers to activities that are close to being illegal or crossing the line of acceptable behavior. It’s often used in discussions about content that pushes boundaries.
His remarks are bordering on inappropriate; he needs to be careful.
This phrase means 'to look down upon' and is used when someone feels disdainful towards something or someone, often implying superiority in taste or judgment.
He always looks down on those trendy things.
Translating to 'translation tone,' this term refers to the awkwardness or unnatural flow of speech that can occur when directly translating from one language to another. It's often used to describe poor or overly lite...
His Chinese has a bit of a translation tone.
This term translates to 'take apart the stage,' and is used to describe sabotaging or undermining someone else's efforts. It can be used in both serious and light-hearted contexts.
I don't want to undermine your plan in the meeting.
Translating to 'inviting annoyance,' this term describes people or behaviors that are irritating or repulsive. It reflects common frustrations in interpersonal interactions.
His selfish behavior is really annoying.
Translating to 'I beg you,' this phrase is often used humorously or exaggeratedly to plead for someone's help or to express desperation in a light-hearted way. It's commonly found in memes and casual conversations.
I beg you, stop selling my embarrassing stories!
'小绿人' translates to 'little green men' and typically refers to a pop-culture reference to aliens or something whimsical in nature. This term can also refer to someone acting peculiarly or out of the ordinary.
Why do you seem like a little green man today, acting so strange?
Literally 'fake monk', this term describes someone who pretends to be knowledgeable or wise but is actually not. It highlights the gap between appearance and reality.
He’s just a fake monk in this field; don’t listen to him.
Literally 'Great Leap Forward,' this term is often used in a humorous context to describe overambitious projects or initiatives that fail to deliver desired results. It can reflect a sense of irony.
This plan looks like a Great Leap Forward; it simply won't work.
Literally meaning 'dog head saves life,' this slang is often used humorously to express that a situation is so dire that it can only be saved by something or someone absurd, like a dog’s head.
This kind of joke is just so absurd, I can't stop laughing.
Literally meaning 'awkward cancer', it humorously describes someone who feels intense embarrassment or discomfort in awkward situations. It's often used jokingly among friends.
He told a corny joke at the party, and everyone felt he had awkward cancer.
Meaning 'impressive, my brother,' this expression is used to compliment someone's accomplishments or skills, often in a playful or sarcastic tone. It showcases a blend of admiration and disbelief.
You actually finished five buns in one go, impressive, my brother.
Translating to 'boomerang', this term is used to describe a situation where one’s actions come back to affect them negatively, similar to consequences of one's own decisions.
His lies eventually became a boomerang, making him feel ashamed.
This term means 'super straightforward' and is used to describe someone who is blunt or direct in their communication. It can be appreciated for its honesty but might also be seen as tactless.
He always speaks very bluntly, which can easily offend people.
Translating to 'live long enough to see,' this phrase is often used to express astonishment at something unexpected or absurd. It highlights the idea that life can constantly surprise us.
I've lived long enough to see this; I can’t believe it happened.
Meaning 'to add salt', this term refers to someone who stirs up drama or adds a twist to a conversation, often making things more interesting or heated. It's used to describe someone who provokes reactions.
He always likes to add salt, making arguments more intense.
Literally 'great escape,' this term refers to a clever or cunning way to avoid responsibilities or obligations. It can also signify a fun escape from routine life.
Today, I've decided to escape and go traveling with friends!
A metaphorical expression meaning 'robbing Peter to pay Paul', it describes a situation where one solves a problem by creating another. This is often used in discussions about resource management.
This plan is just robbing Peter to pay Paul; it has no long-term strategy.
This term means 'big head,' often used metaphorically to describe someone who is overly confident or has inflated self-importance. It carries a somewhat mocking tone.
He's really arrogant, thinking he knows everything.
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