This is the complete browsable index of our Chinese Slang Dictionary — 3800+ verified internet slang terms used on platforms like Weibo, Bilibili, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu. Every entry includes the Chinese characters (汉字), pinyin with tone marks, an English translation, at least one example sentence in authentic Chinese, and a cultural note explaining where the term comes from and how it is really used. Terms are ranked by community votes, so the most useful and widely used terms appear first. New slang is added daily from trending Chinese social media. Looking for a specific term? Use the search bar at the top of the page.
Chinese Slang Terms, Sorted by Popularity
Literally 'turning back grass,' this term refers to the act of returning to a previous situation or relationship, often with a sense of regret. It's similar to the English phrase 'going back to old habits.'
He always goes back to his old habits; it’s really frustrating.
This term means 'treasure at home' and is often used to refer affectionately to pets, children, or items that hold sentimental value. It reflects a nurturing attitude and the importance of family bonds.
My cat is my treasure at home; it keeps me company every day.
Down to earth, grounded in real life — describes content, language, or a person that feels authentic and relatable to ordinary people rather than polished or out of touch. The defining quality of 张雪机车's appeal: she ta...
She speaks in such a grounded way — watching her videos feels like chatting with a neighbor.
Translating to 'street culture,' this term refers to the subcultures that emerge from urban environments, often encompassing fashion, music, and art forms. It reflects youthful rebellion and creativity.
I really like street culture, especially street art.
Meaning 'revoke' or 'take back,' this term is commonly used in messaging apps when a user wants to unsend a message. It captures the urgency or embarrassment of wanting to erase a mistake.
I once again revoked that message in the chat.
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.
Literally meaning 'bored and moldy', this term humorously describes a state of being extremely bored or feeling stagnant. It suggests a lack of excitement or engagement in one’s life.
I've been super bored lately; I haven't done anything.
This term translates to 'breakup fee' and humorously refers to the idea that someone should be compensated after a relationship ends, reflecting a tongue-in-cheek view of modern relationships.
He actually mentioned a breakup fee; it's so funny.
Translating to 'deductive reasoning and puzzles', this term refers to activities that involve solving mysteries or puzzles, popular in online games and real-life escape rooms. It emphasizes logical thinking.
I enjoy puzzle-solving games; they exercise my brain.
This term literally means 'to plant rice seedlings,' but in slang, it refers to someone who is overly eager or desperate for attention, often in romantic or social contexts.
At the party, his performance was a bit desperate, making it awkward.
Literally meaning 'cowboy pants,' this term refers to jeans but is often used in slang to describe casual, laid-back style or fashion, indicating comfort.
I'm wearing jeans today; I feel particularly relaxed.
Literally 'dark circles under the eyes', this term describes the visible signs of tiredness or lack of sleep, often used to express the struggles of balancing work and personal life.
I stayed up late working last night, and today my dark circles are really obvious.
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!
Whitelist - Approved list for early access to NFT mints or token sales.
I finally got on the whitelist!
Translating to 'blind eye', this term is used to describe someone who fails to notice obvious things, often in a humorous or slightly insulting manner.
This person is really oblivious; they can't see that she likes him.
Translates to 'high-energy warning'. It is used to signal that something exciting or shocking is about to happen, often before a funny or dramatic story or video. This phrase is well-liked in meme culture.
Next is a high-energy warning; are you all ready to laugh?
Translating to 'violent thunder', this term refers to sudden and catastrophic financial failures, often used in discussions about investments or business scandals. It suggests shock and unpredictability.
The violent thunder of this company's failure caused significant losses for many investors.
This term refers to 'office workers', denoting those who work typical 9-to-5 jobs. It's often used to discuss workplace culture and the daily lives of these individuals.
As an office worker, the pace of life is always so fast.
This term translates to 'opposite sexes attract' and is used to describe romantic attraction between different genders. It's often mentioned in dating conversations and reflects common beliefs about attraction.
Opposite sexes attract is a part of human emotions.
Son of a b*tch / Bastard (turtle egg insult)
That son of a b*tch actually lied to me again!
Translating to 'English corner,' this term refers to informal gatherings for language practice, often involving discussion and casual conversation. It's popular among students learning English.
We hold an English corner in the park every Wednesday.
Literally meaning 'ugly rejection,' this is a humorous term used to decline offers or invitations in a light-hearted way, often implying that the offer is unappealing. It’s commonly used in dating and social contexts.
I can only decline his invitation in an ugly way.
This term means 'sharing economy', referring to business models that promote sharing and renting over ownership. It highlights a cultural shift towards collaborative consumption.
Many young people are participating in the sharing economy by using shared bikes.
Meaning 'sense of belonging', this term describes the feeling of being accepted and included in a group. It highlights the emotional need for community and connection.
Finding a sense of belonging is an important need for modern people.
Translating to 'cow head,' this term refers to someone who acts stubbornly or is unwilling to change their mind, often in a humorous or lighthearted context. It can describe strong-willed personalities.
He really is a stubborn person; he won't listen to anyone.
Translating to 'passionate youth,' this term refers to young people filled with energy and enthusiasm, often involved in causes or movements that inspire change or action. It conveys a sense of idealism and bravery.
As passionate youth, we should actively participate in social activities.
While literally meaning 'to take a walk', in internet slang, it often refers to casually browsing online or zoning out in a relaxed manner. It's used to depict an easygoing attitude.
Let's go for a walk in the park tonight.
To protect and guard — used as both a verb and a hashtag for content about protecting vulnerable things: animals, children, nature, traditions. Became a popular caption alongside rescue videos after 雪山救狐狸 circulated w...
We must protect every life, no matter how big or small.
Translating to 'mindset explosion', this term describes a situation where someone can't handle stress or frustration anymore, often resulting in an emotional outburst. It's used humorously among friends to describe re...
Facing so much pressure, I'm about to explode mentally.
This phrase translates to 'not focusing on one's main job', describing someone who is distracted by trivial or unproductive activities. It often critiques a lack of seriousness or dedication.
He always gets distracted, with no real achievements.
Originally referring to 'mousse' (the dessert), in internet slang, it often signifies someone who is fluffy or cute, especially in the context of pets or affectionate portrayals. It can also imply a sweet or light-hea...
This little kitten is such a mousse; it's so cute!
Translating to 'as clever as I am,' this phrase is often used humorously to boast about one’s wit or intelligence, especially in response to a situation where cleverness is displayed. It can be both self-deprecating a...
In this discussion, I was as clever as I am and successfully exposed the lies.
Translating to 'breaking the ice in social situations', this term refers to techniques or phrases used to ease tension and start conversations among strangers. It promotes social interaction and is useful in networking.
Breaking the ice in social situations is very important to blend into this circle.
Translating to 'pull the lever', this term is used to describe stopping or shutting down something abruptly. It’s often used humorously in contexts where someone suddenly disengages from a conversation or situation.
When he heard the gossip, he abruptly shut down and didn’t want to continue.
Literally 'little apprentice,' this affectionate term is used to refer to someone who is learning from a mentor. It's often used to express a nurturing or guiding relationship.
I see him as my little apprentice, teaching him many things.
Translates to 'stacking human pyramids', often used to refer to teamwork or joint efforts to achieve something together, usually in a fun and humorous context.
Our classmates always like to stack human pyramids; it’s very fun.
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.
'捧心' literally means 'holding the heart.' It describes someone who is deeply infatuated or eager in love, often used in a playful or romantic context. It encapsulates the feeling of being overly enthusiastic in matter...
Seeing how he holds his heart for her makes me really envious.
Literally means 'giant head' but is used to describe influential figures or companies in various industries, particularly in technology and finance. It indicates power and dominance in their respective fields.
This tech giant is changing the market landscape.
Literally 'screw', this term describes a person who plays a small but crucial role in a team or project. It can be used affectionately to emphasize their importance despite being less visible.
In this team, I’m just a screw, but I’m important too.
The Evil Fire Cloud God — the terrifying villain in Kung Fu Hustle who is presented as the ultimate unstoppable evil force. Online, used for anyone acting with maximum drama, villainy, or inexplicably over-the-top men...
The client's email today had total Evil Fire Cloud God energy — scared me for a second.
Literally 'elementary school student,' this term is used to describe someone acting immaturely or naively, often in discussions about online arguments or disagreements. It serves as a way to critique someone's behavio...
Why are you acting so immature, arguing about such a small issue?
This term means 'minimalism', referring to a lifestyle that advocates simplicity and reducing material possessions. It's used in discussions around lifestyle choices, interior design, and fashion.
I've recently started pursuing a minimalist lifestyle.
Translating to 'fish that escaped the net', this term describes someone who has evaded detection or consequences, often used in humorous or sarcastic contexts. It can refer to a friend who manages to avoid responsibil...
Another fish that escaped the net, the teacher didn’t catch him.
Translating to 'programming thoughts', this term refers to the creative and often philosophical side of programming, where coders share insights and opinions.
His programming thoughts gave me a new understanding of technology.
Literally meaning 'gunpowder flavor', this term describes a tense or aggressive atmosphere, often in the context of debates or competitions.
During the chat, everyone had a strong sense of tension.
Translating to 'tyrant meal,' this term refers to eating at a restaurant without paying for the meal, often humorously used to describe someone getting a free meal.
They really enjoy themselves, managing to get a free meal.
Translating to 'driving without a license,' this metaphorical term describes acting recklessly or without proper authorization in various contexts, especially in discussions about online behavior. It signifies a lack ...
In this project, he is really driving without a license; there's no planning involved.
This term translates to 'meticulously selfish' and refers to individuals who prioritize their own interests and well-being while maintaining an appearance of being cultured and refined. It's often used to comment on s...
Her lifestyle is so meticulously selfish; she completely disregards others.
Translating to 'Engine Oil', this term refers to someone who is very knowledgeable and skilled, often in a technical field. It is used as a compliment for those who know their craft very well.
This teacher is really knowledgeable; the explanations are thorough.