炮灰 (pàohuī)
Meaning 'cannon fodder', this term is used to describe those who are expendable or easily sacrificed in a situation, often in the context of online games or competitive environments.
In this game, many people are just cannon fodder.
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.
Meaning 'cannon fodder', this term is used to describe those who are expendable or easily sacrificed in a situation, often in the context of online games or competitive environments.
In this game, many people are just cannon fodder.
Guys, who gets it?! / Family, can anyone relate?
Guys, can anyone relate?! My boss actually praised me today!
Translating to 'instant noodle hero', this term is humorously used to describe someone who frequently consumes instant noodles, often due to a busy lifestyle or lack of cooking skills. It can also evoke nostalgia for ...
In high school, I was an instant noodle hero; I only started learning to cook now.
Translating to 'emptying the shopping cart,' it refers to the act of going through online shopping and removing items from the cart, often used humorously to address impulse buying or financial responsibility.
To save money, I decided to empty my shopping cart.
Translating to 'another world', this term refers to themes in anime and gaming where characters are transported to fantasy realms. It has become a popular reference among fans of these genres.
I’ve recently been watching an anime about adventures in another world.
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.
The onomatopoeic term for 'meow', often used in a cute or playful context to represent cats or to express affection, particularly among cat lovers. It adds a playful tone to conversations.
I'm feeling down today; I need your meow to comfort me.
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.
Translating to 'human world is worth it', this term expresses an appreciation for life and the belief that despite difficulties, life has its beautiful moments. It's often used to encourage positivity and gratitude.
No matter how bitter life is, the human world is worth it; we need to be happy.
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.
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!
Literally means 'melon', but it is slang for gossip or juicy news, often about celebrities or trending topics. It conveys a sense of curiosity about unfolding stories.
Did you hear? There's another juicy gossip about to break!
Mouth substitute - Someone who says exactly what you're thinking. When you see a comment or statement that perfectly expresses your own opinion.
This blogger is my mouth substitute, they said exactly what I think!
This slang refers to a fashionable girl who enjoys a particular trendy lifestyle, often associated with coffee culture, especially lattes. It symbolizes a stylish, sophisticated young woman often seen in urban settings.
She is often referred to as the latte girl in the coffee shop.
An emoticon representing a person kneeling down in despair or surrender, it conveys feelings of defeat or admiration. It's widely used in online conversations to express strong emotions.
Seeing your achievement, I’m truly speechless, orz.
A phonetic abbreviation originally from English 'OK,' this term is used to express agreement or approval. It reflects a casual and trendy way of communicating.
I think this idea is perfectly fine.
Literally 'too real,' this expression is used to describe something very relatable or genuine, often in response to life situations or feelings. It conveys authenticity.
This article is too real; it resonates with me deeply.
Literally 'Daddy Ma', it refers to Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, often used humorously or affectionately in discussions about wealth and business. It reflects admiration or critique toward successful entrepreneurs.
Daddy Ma's business ideas are always so avant-garde.
This term means 'wasteful child' and is used to describe someone who squanders money carelessly or extravagantly. It reflects a negative judgment on reckless spending.
He is such a wasteful child; he spends money like there's no tomorrow.
Literally 'to crush', this term is used in competitive contexts to describe overwhelming victory over opponents, often in sports or gaming. It suggests dominance in performance.
They crushed their opponents in the match; it was without suspense.
Literally meaning 'shoveling poop', this term is used humorously to refer to the responsibilities of pet ownership, especially regarding cleaning up after pets. It can also symbolize the responsibilities that come wit...
Owning a dog means shoveling poop; it’s really tiring.
Short for 笑死我了 (xiào sǐ wǒ le) — "I am dying of laughter," the Chinese equivalent of lmao or lol. Used in response to something genuinely funny or absurd. Like most internet abbreviations, it is often typed even when ...
This video is way too funny — I am dying of laughter, my stomach hurts.
WTF / damn it / f**k — abbreviation of 他妈的 (tā mā de), literally "his mother's." The most commonly used Chinese expletive online, softened to initials to bypass censorship filters and make it slightly more socially ac...
WTF, the damn internet cut out again!
Translating to 'moving bricks on a construction site,' it refers to hard and possibly low-paying work. It is often used humorously to describe people who work hard but earn little, especially in social media contexts.
Going to work feels like moving bricks on a construction site; it’s exhausting.
Translating to 'small but certain happiness,' this term describes the little joys and pleasures in life that bring happiness. It emphasizes appreciating the small things that may seem inconsequential but influence ove...
Having a cup of coffee every day is my small but certain happiness.
Lying flat - a lifestyle philosophy of doing the bare minimum, rejecting the pressure to constantly strive for more. A counter-movement to '内卷' (involution).
I've decided to lie flat, I don't want to compete anymore.
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.
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.
Beloved - affectionate pet name for anything precious or cherished
This kitty is my beloved — nobody is allowed to touch her.
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.
I love you forever — the ultimate romantic number combination in Chinese, merging 520 (I love you / 我爱你) and 1314 (forever / 一生一世) into a single declaration of eternal love.
Happy anniversary! I love you forever — 5201314!
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!
Referring to spicy strips of snack food, this term has become a cultural symbol for youth trends and indulgence in junk food. It's often mentioned in a nostalgic or humorous context.
After school, we always go buy spicy strips to eat.
The Study of Zhen - the tongue-in-cheek academic discipline of analyzing 甄嬛传
Zhen scholars have already identified seventeen distinct meanings in that one glance.
Weirdo / pervert / freak — abbreviation of 变态 (biàn tài), literally "changed state" or "abnormal." Used to call someone a pervert, a weirdo, or just someone behaving strangely. Can be affectionate between friends or g...
You weirdo! How did you even come up with that idea?
Translating to 'social cow', this humorous term refers to people who have a significant influence or power in social settings or networks. It implies a person’s ability to command attention and respect.
In this circle, he is definitely a social influencer.
Not a single penny — the most direct Beijing way to say you are completely broke. Zir (子儿) is a Beijing dialect word for the smallest unit of money, so this means you literally have zero. Used to state financial reali...
My salary has not come in yet this month — I do not have a single penny.
Literally meaning 'turning a card', this term refers to being recognized or mentioned by a celebrity or influencer, often leading to feelings of excitement among fans.
I got acknowledged in the live stream; I’m so happy!
This term means 'to dominate within one's own space' and is often used to describe someone who feels powerful or confident only in their familiar environment and not in the outside world.
She's confident at home, but she doesn't dare to speak outside.
I love you — 520 sounds like 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) in Mandarin. The most iconic Chinese number code for love, used in texts, gifts, and online chats. May 20th (5/20) has become an unofficial Valentine's Day in China because ...
Today is May 20th (520), I want to tell you — I love you!
This term describes a subculture known for its distinctive, flamboyant fashion and hairstyle, often associated with youth rebellion or nonconformity. It embodies a unique aesthetic that stands out.
His style is so unique; it attracts a lot of attention.
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 'information gap', this term describes the phenomenon when one party has more or better information than another, often leading to advantages or misunderstandings.
Due to the information gap, he made the wrong decision.
Translating to 'I don't want to go to work,' this phrase expresses burnout and reluctance towards work. It's commonly used among the younger generation feeling the pressures of job responsibilities.
Monday is here again, and I really don't want to go to work.
This idiom means 'wealth and honor are sought in danger', emphasizing the idea that taking risks is necessary for achieving great success. It's often used to encourage daring actions.
To succeed, you must take risks; wealth and honor are sought in danger.
Literally meaning 'to fly a plane,' this term is used informally to describe someone who travels quickly or impulsively, particularly for leisure or adventure.
This weekend, my friends and I impulsively flew to the beach.
This term refers to 'feel-good literature' or stories that are satisfying to read, often with wish-fulfillment plots and happy endings. It’s commonly used in online literature discussions.
I've been following a feel-good story lately, and it's really enjoyable.
Short for 真情实感 (zhēn qíng shí gǎn) — "genuine feelings / real emotions." Used to describe content or a reaction that feels truly heartfelt and sincere, as opposed to performative or ironic. Often said with mild surpri...
The article he wrote was so heartfelt — I was genuinely moved after reading it.
GOAT / legend / the best forever — abbreviation of 永远的神 (yǒng yuǎn de shén), meaning "forever the god/legend." Used to describe someone or something as the absolute best — the Chinese equivalent of GOAT (Greatest of A...
This drama is literally YYDS — cried every single episode!
Meaning 'light bulb,' this term refers to a person who awkwardly joins a couple, often in a social context. It symbolizes feeling out of place or being a third wheel.
At the party, I felt like a light bulb, it was so awkward.
Page 2 of 78 — 3,856 total terms