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.
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.
Passerby - Someone neutral, neither fan nor hater.
I am just a passerby for this celebrity.
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!
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.
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 '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.
Translating to 'overly flirtatious' or 'showy', it describes someone acting provocatively, often in a humorous or exaggerated way. It's used to call out or joke about behaviors that are considered too bold.
His outfit is so showy; it really attracts attention.
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.
Idol - A beloved celebrity, from English idol.
My idol released a new song.
Besties / Sisters - A cute way to address female friends online, derived from a mispronunciation of 'jiěmèi' (sisters). Often used sarcastically.
Sisters, does this dress look good?
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 '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.
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.
Translating to 'can be salty or sweet', this term is used to describe a person with a versatile personality, someone who can be serious or playful depending on the context.
Her personality can be salty or sweet, which is very attractive.
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 '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.
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!
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.
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.
Meaning 'pure love', this term describes relationships that are innocent and idealistic, often seen in romantic dramas or novels. It denotes a longing for genuine emotions without complications.
I want a pure love relationship, with no ulterior motives.
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.
Literally 'Game King', referring to someone who is highly skilled in gaming or competitive scenarios. Used to denote players who excel and stand out among their peers.
He is the game king of our team; no one can beat him.
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!
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?
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Beloved - affectionate pet name for anything precious or cherished
This kitty is my beloved — nobody is allowed to touch her.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
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!
Translating to 'sour', this slang term is used to describe feelings of jealousy or envy in a humorous way. It can be used to tease someone feeling left out or envious.
Seeing them so happy makes me feel a bit sour.
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.
Bye bye! — 886 sounds like 拜拜了 (bāi bāi le), an enthusiastic farewell. A playful numeric shorthand for goodbye used in text chats and online messages.
Okay I'm going to sleep — bye bye~
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.
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