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
This term means 'to fire up', often used in gaming to indicate starting an action or attack. It can also refer to initiating a heated discussion or argument in a more general context.
In the game, get ready; we can fire up at any moment!
Meaning 'happy twists', this term is often associated with humor and is used to refer to comedy productions or content that is particularly funny or entertaining. It emphasizes the joy and laughter that such content b...
This series is really 'happy twists', making me laugh non-stop.
Rug pull / Run away - When project founders disappear with investors money.
The project team did a rug pull, all the money is gone.
Meaning 'to suddenly become popular', this term describes something or someone who quickly gains fame or recognition, often through social media or online platforms.
This product suddenly became popular; everyone is rushing to buy it.
Translating to 'desperate person' or 'fugitive', this term describes someone who is recklessly pursuing a goal, often used in a humorous context to describe people acting without regard for consequences.
He has become a desperate person in pursuit of his dreams.
Literally meaning 'release poison,' this slang is used to describe someone who shares negative or toxic thoughts or information that can influence others. It can refer to gossip or negative comments.
She always spreads negativity, making those around her feel uneasy.
Translating to 'to fight for justice,' this phrase is used to describe someone standing up for another person in a difficult situation, showing solidarity.
He always stands up for his friends when they encounter unfair treatment.
While literally meaning 'goodbye,' this term has taken on a more playful and ironic usage in internet culture, often used to dismiss or end a conversation sharply.
What you said is just too outrageous; I can only say goodbye.
Translating to 'unexpected surprise,' this term conveys the joy of delightful surprises that come out of nowhere. It can refer to positive experiences in relationships, gifts, or fortunate events.
I received a gift from my friend today, what an unexpected surprise!
Translating to 'persistence', it refers to the quality of never giving up despite challenges, commonly used in motivational contexts.
As long as you persist, you will definitely succeed.
Meaning 'game theory' or 'strategic interaction', this term is often used in discussions of competition, whether in business or social dynamics. It conveys the idea of strategic thinking in gaining advantages.
In this industry, understanding game theory psychology is very important.
Referring to the Chernobyl disaster, this slang is used humorously to denote something that has gone catastrophically wrong. It can apply to failed projects, disastrous events, or simply chaotic situations in life.
This party was a total Chernobyl; I don’t want to attend again.
This term, meaning 'little white mouse', refers to someone who tries new trends or products on behalf of others, often in a humorous or self-deprecating way. It implies being an experimenter.
I am the little white mouse this time, trying out this new skincare product.
This term translates to 'curling one’s lip' and indicates a dismissive or contemptuous attitude towards something. It is often used in social situations to express disagreement or skepticism.
As soon as he said that, I couldn’t help but curl my lip in disdain.
This term humorously describes situations where attempts to improve or influence an outcome backfire, leading to the opposite effect. It's often used in discussions about mishaps in everyday life or relationships.
I prepared a surprise for him, but unexpectedly it backfired; what a reverse magic moment.
Translating to 'really is,' this phrase is often used to emphasize disbelief or exasperation in conversations. It’s a common reaction expressing surprise or frustration.
He really is too funny.
This phrase means 'not afraid of difficulties' and is often used to express determination or resilience in facing challenges. It embodies a positive attitude towards overcoming obstacles.
In the face of challenges, we must not be afraid of difficulties and move forward bravely.
This phrase means 'everything exists in dreams' and is used to express dissatisfaction with reality. It's often humorously applied in situations where someone wishes they could have something unattainable.
I think every day, everything exists in dreams; reality just doesn’t go well.
Literally means 'fried chicken leg,' it represents something delightful or enjoyable, often used to express excitement about food or experiences. It's popular among young people to describe something they love or find...
The fried chicken legs at this place are so delicious!
This playful expression, meaning 'so high', is often used to convey excitement or joy in a lighthearted manner. It’s an expression of euphoric happiness.
Today’s party is so high; everyone is having a great time.
Translates to 'skin management,' referring to the skincare routines and products people use. It reflects the rising beauty culture and self-care trends among young people in China.
She manages her skin every month, and it looks great.
Literally 'flowers blooming everywhere,' this phrase symbolizes success or prosperity in various areas, often used to describe flourishing in business or creative endeavors.
This year, his business is flourishing everywhere, making a lot of money.
Literally rivers and lakes — the shadowy world of martial artists, outlaws, and wanderers in wuxia fiction. Online, used metaphorically for any competitive social world with unspoken rules: the office, the internet, t...
This company is a real jianghu — people's hearts are hard to read.
Translating to 'market regulation', this term is used to discuss oversight and control in economic contexts. It reflects the government's role in maintaining fair practices in the market.
The government has strengthened its market regulation.
Literally meaning 'household affairs', this term refers to domestic issues or responsibilities that often become topics of discussion on social media. It highlights the everyday struggles of managing home life and rel...
Every time household chores wear me out.
Translating to 'passerby affinity,' this phrase describes someone who easily gets along with strangers or has good social skills. It reflects a person’s friendliness in social interactions.
She has great passerby affinity and always makes new friends.
Literally meaning 'sorry to disturb', this phrase is used to apologize for interrupting someone. It reflects a politeness that is appreciated in social interactions.
Sorry to disturb, do you have time to chat?
Losing blood - Losing energy or money.
Overtime is draining me badly.
Literally means 'chameleon.' It’s used to describe someone who easily adapts to different social situations or changes their opinions to fit in. The term can be used positively or negatively depending on context.
She is truly a chameleon, always saying different things to different people.
Meaning 'to rescue', this term is often used in online contexts to describe helping someone in need, especially in humorous or dramatic scenarios depicted in videos or memes.
He always wants to rescue friends who are in trouble.
Translates to 'little penguin,' used affectionately to describe someone who is cute or bumbling, often in a playful context. It can also refer to someone small and lovable.
Look at that little penguin; it's just adorable!
Social death - Describes an extremely embarrassing moment in public that makes you want to disappear. Similar to 'I want to die of embarrassment'.
I was singing loudly on the subway and realized I wasn't wearing headphones. I socially died.
Literally meaning 'not a human,' this term is often used to describe someone who is exceptionally good at something, to the point where their skills seem superhuman. It can be used seriously or humorously.
Her talent in dancing is truly not human.
Literally meaning 'no problems,' this slang is used to express agreement or approval. It can be seen as a way to validate someone's opinion or statement.
What you said is spot on; we should definitely do it this way.
Meaning 'unconvinced' or 'disagreeing,' this term expresses a refusal to accept something as true or valid. It's often used in competitive contexts.
I'm simply unconvinced by what you said.
Meaning 'shut up,' this phrase is a blunt expression often used to tell someone to stop talking, either in a humorous or serious context, depending on the situation.
Sometimes I really wish he could shut up.
Translates to 'character setting.' It refers to the persona or image someone projects to others, especially on social media. It often implies a curated version of oneself that may differ from reality.
I think her character setting is a bit fake.
Literally 'the wind and clouds of working life', this term captures the turbulent and often unpredictable nature of modern work environments. It symbolizes the challenges faced by workers.
In this large company, the tumult of working life unfolds every day.
Out of tune, unreliable, irresponsible — a Beijing expression for someone who cannot be counted on. Literally means not hitting the right musical note. Used to describe people who talk big but never follow through.
This person is completely unreliable — he never keeps his promises.
Translating to 'self-redemption,' this term refers to personal journeys of overcoming past mistakes or hardships to seek improvement and growth. It symbolizes the process of taking responsibility and making positive c...
This book tells a story about self-redemption that makes one reflect deeply.
Translating to 'dumped' or 'let go', this term describes the act of ending a romantic relationship, often used casually among friends discussing dating.
I heard she recently dumped her boyfriend and is living happily.
Literally means 'to flick the tail.' In internet slang, it humorously describes someone who suddenly changes their attitude or opinion, often in relation to gossip or trends.
You’re such a flip-flopper; you said you didn’t like it, but now you can’t resist.
Translates to 'confused bug', used to describe someone who often acts confused or forgets things easily. It's often used humorously among friends to denote endearing absent-mindedness.
He's really a 'confused bug', always forgetting to bring things.
Translating to 'very rich,' this term is sometimes used sarcastically to mock someone for being overly focused on money or wealth. It can also be used seriously in contexts discussing wealth disparities.
He has so many luxury items; he’s really very rich.
Translating to 'Buddha jumps over the wall,' this term describes a luxurious, elaborate dish in Chinese cuisine. Online, it humorously refers to anything that is overly extravagant or luxurious.
This gathering was really extravagant; everyone was satisfied with the meal.
Meaning 'more than friendship, but not yet love,' this phrase perfectly describes ambiguous relationships where feelings are strong but have not transitioned into romance. It’s often used among young people.
We are in a relationship that is more than friendship, but not yet love.
Translating to 'to start a new game,' this term signifies a fresh start or new beginnings, often used in personal or career contexts. It implies moving on from past experiences to embrace new opportunities.
I've decided to start a new chapter and look for a better job.
Translating to 'white cut chicken,' this term is often used metaphorically to describe someone or something that appears simple or unpretentious but is actually very good. It's a compliment about understated excellence.
Her talent is like white cut chicken, simple yet very genuine.
This slang means 'poke the wax', and refers to the idea of stirring up trouble or provoking drama. It’s often used humorously in discussions about social media feuds.
She always stirs up trouble and likes to start debates in the group chat.
Literally 'to fish in the side door,' it refers to engaging in side jobs or unorthodox methods of earning money, often implying a sense of opportunism or taking risks.
He always looks for side jobs and small businesses.