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
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?
Meaning 'little sweetie', this term is often used as an affectionate nickname for someone cute or endearing, especially in romantic contexts. It conveys warmth and fondness.
You are truly my little sweetie.
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.
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.
Literally 'husband take away,' used to jokingly describe something that is so appealing or desirable that one feels like claiming it immediately, often in a playful or romantic context.
This dress looks so good, I want to claim it for myself!
Literally 'code farmer,' this term refers to software developers or programmers, often used in a humorous or self-deprecating manner to highlight their work culture and lifestyle.
As a code farmer, I often work overtime and have a busy life.
Translating to 'compare hearts', this term describes the action of making a heart shape with one's hands as a gesture of love or appreciation. It’s often used in a playful and affectionate manner on social media.
I make a heart for you, hoping you are happy!
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.
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.
Pride of Domestic Manufacturing — used when a Chinese-made product genuinely excels or surpasses foreign competitors, especially in tech.
DeepSeek is truly a pride of domestic manufacturing — it made the whole world take notice.
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.
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 means 'to scoop up'. It is often used to describe someone successfully obtaining something, especially in contexts of gaining fame, money, or resources, often in a slightly opportunistic manner.
He gained a lot of popularity from this event.
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.
Is it or not? / Right? — 484 sounds like 是不是 (shì bù shì), a common question tag meaning "right?" or "isn't it?" Used in casual texting to ask for confirmation or add a rhetorical question.
Don't you feel like there's been a lot of pressure lately?
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!
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.
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.
This term means 'infatuated man' and is often used to describe someone who is excessively romantic or obsessed with a crush. It can have both humorous and negative connotations.
His pursuit of her is simply that of an infatuated man.
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.
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!
Translating to 'hug', this term is often used in online conversations to convey comfort or support. It embodies warmth and affection in friendships or supportive relationships.
You’ve worked hard; here’s a hug!
Literally meaning 'to liver', this term humorously describes intense commitment to gaming or work, often at the cost of health or personal time. It reflects the culture of gaming and dedication among enthusiasts.
This weekend, I gamed for many hours again.
Lemon spirit / Sour grapes - A jealous person who cannot be happy for others.
Stop being jealous, they worked hard for it.
This phrase means 'to fly together' and is used in a motivational context, encouraging teamwork or shared aspirations. It embodies a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.
Let’s fly together and chase our dreams.
This Palace - imperious first-person pronoun used for comic effect
This Palace is in a fine mood today. You may all rise.
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.
Beloved - affectionate pet name for anything precious or cherished
This kitty is my beloved — nobody is allowed to touch her.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 'modern-day Wu Yanzu (Daniel Wu)', this term is often used humorously to refer to a handsome man, drawing a comparison to the popular actor. It highlights contemporary beauty standards.
He is truly the modern-day Wu Yanzu, attracting many fans.
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.
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.
Your mom! / WTF (directed) — abbreviation of 你妈的 (nǐ mā de), literally "your mother's." A stronger, more personally directed version of TMD. Used when angry at a specific person rather than just venting at the universe.
How dare you treat me like this — WTF!
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.
An exclamation of excitement or hype — the Chinese internet equivalent of "Let's go!" or "Woo-hoo!" Although 芜湖 is a real city in Anhui province, it was hijacked as a viral meme sound effect and is now used purely to ...
We won! Let's gooo, we are taking off!
Sober curious — a mindset of consciously questioning your relationship with alcohol rather than quitting cold turkey. Someone who is 清醒好奇 isn't necessarily a non-drinker; they're curious about what life feels like wit...
I'm in a sober-curious phase right now — skipping drinks at parties whenever I can, and honestly I feel so much clearer.
Big brother / older guy (affectionate) — GG stands for 哥哥 (gē gē), meaning older brother. Used by fans to address male idols or by girls addressing older male friends affectionately. Also carries the gaming sense of "...
This GG (guy) is way too handsome — I'm instantly a fan!
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!
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.
Literally 'little braid,' this term describes a person's weakness or leverage over someone else, used in contexts where someone is trying to control or manipulate another.
The little braid between us is in his hands, so he always has the upper hand.
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.
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.
Exactly! / Precisely! — 9494 sounds like 就是就是 (jiù shì jiù shì), a repeated affirmative used to enthusiastically agree with someone. The doubling emphasizes strong agreement.
This boss is so stingy! Exactly, exactly!