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 'cat killer,' this term humorously refers to someone who is extremely cute or charming, to the point where they can 'kill' you with cuteness. It's often used to describe adorable pets or individuals.
Your little cat is truly a cat killer!
Translating to 'only because you are too beautiful,' this phrase became popular from a viral song and is commonly used humorously to compliment someone attractive while implying that their beauty is the sole reason fo...
You receive so much praise, is it only because you are too beautiful?
Translating to 'political correctness', this term is used to refer to language, policies, or measures intended to avoid offense to groups of people. It often appears in discussions about social justice.
This article is too politically correct; it lost its humor.
This term means 'little tease,' generally used to describe someone who flirts or teases in a playful manner, often without serious intentions.
She loves to tease others playfully; it's really fun.
Translating to 'small screen,' this term refers to mobile devices or content viewed on smartphones, especially when comparing to traditional TV. It highlights the shift in how people consume media.
I prefer watching videos on the small screen.
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.
This term means 'abuse' or 'misuse' and is used to describe situations where something is used excessively or inappropriately. Often, it refers to resources, privileges, or power.
This behavior is just 'misuse of power'.
Meaning 'heat wave', but in internet slang, it describes an overwhelming wave of excitement or popularity about something, like a trending topic or viral content.
This topic has created a heat wave across the entire internet.
This term means 'little rampage,' used to describe a spontaneous burst of energy or excitement, often leading to chaotic actions.
I’m in a great mood today, ready to go on a little rampage.
Literally 'Douyin brainwashing,' this term describes catchy content or trends on the Douyin platform that get stuck in one’s head, often referring to repetitive songs or memes.
I’ve watched this catchy Douyin video many times.
This phrase translates to 'slowly warming up', often used to describe a romantic situation where feelings develop gradually rather than explosively. It evokes a sense of tenderness and patience in relationships.
Our relationship is slowly warming up, and it's wonderful.
Literally meaning 'drink water', in slang this term is often used to remind someone to take a break or to keep themselves hydrated, indicating care. It can also imply a need to pause in stressful situations.
Don't forget to drink water; even when busy, take care of yourself.
Translating to 'money-making', this term refers to schemes or tactics designed purely for profit, often with a negative connotation. It reflects a sense of caution against opportunistic behaviors, especially in business.
The goal of this project is just to make money without any real value.
Meaning 'seller's showcase', this term describes the often overly perfect photos posted by sellers online that illustrate how products look when they are advertised. It indicates a disparity between reality and presen...
The seller's showcase of this dress looks great, but it’s poor once worn.
Translating to 'reverse interpretation', this term refers to the practice of interpreting something in a way that is opposite to its intended meaning. It is often used in discussions about media, art, or social commen...
The reverse interpretation of this film gave me a new understanding of it.
This term means 'greasy middle-aged' and describes men who exhibit stereotypically undesirable traits such as overconfidence, a lack of self-awareness, and a tendency to show off wealth. It is often used humorously or...
He is such a greasy middle-aged man who only talks about work all day.
This phrase means 'anti-involution' and describes attitudes or actions that resist excessive competition and stress. It often advocates for a balanced lifestyle and prioritizing well-being over relentless competition.
I’ve decided to adopt an anti-involution stance and not work late anymore.
Meaning 'variety show star', this term refers to celebrities or personalities who are especially known for their appearances on entertainment shows. It reflects the blurring lines between traditional celebrity and soc...
He became popular through variety shows, and his fans really like him.
Meaning 'offline', this term is often used humorously to describe someone who is out of touch with current trends or news. It can also refer to a person who does not participate in social media.
You've been offline for too long these days.
This term refers to the act of posting sad or emotional content online, often accompanied by crying emojis or similar expressions. It conveys vulnerability.
I've posted sad content several times recently, and everyone is very concerned about me.
Translating to 'outrageous' or 'absurd', this term is used to describe situations that are excessively unreasonable or hard to believe. It's often used humorously.
This price is truly absurd; I don't want to buy it at all.
This term means 'little white' but is often used to describe someone who is a novice or inexperienced in a specific field or activity, similar to a newbie. It conveys a sense of innocence and lack of knowledge.
I’m still a newbie in this game.
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.
This phrase translates to 'this is awkward.' It's often used in a lighthearted manner when someone finds themselves in an embarrassing or uncomfortable situation.
I miscalled her name, and this is awkward.
Meaning 'to unsubscribe' or 'unfollow,' this term is commonly used on social media platforms to indicate stopping following someone or removing connections.
I'm not interested in his new updates, so I decided to unfollow.
Literally meaning 'kneel down', this term is used to express admiration or submission to someone else's skill or performance. It can be used humorously or earnestly.
His singing is so good; I just want to kneel down.
This term literally means 'to drive', but in internet slang, it refers to sharing or discussing implicitly adult or risqué content. It is often used with humor, indicating someone is about to 'drive' into a more matur...
Tonight's livestream is a bit risqué, are you ready?
This term means 'to grab a red envelope,' a popular activity during festivals where money is distributed digitally. It's often associated with competition and excitement.
During the New Year, everyone is grabbing red envelopes.
Meaning 'to shake off' or 'to get rid of,' this slang term is often used to refer to breaking free from negative relationships or toxic situations in a humorous way. It reflects a sense of empowerment.
She finally decided to shake off those negative friends.
Zhen Huan writing style - describing modern life in classical imperial Chinese
This Palace intends to venture to the western market to procure supplies for future use. (i.e., I'm going grocery shopping.)
Translating to 'Worry Relief Grocery Store,' this term comes from a popular novel and symbolizes a place where people can find solutions to their problems or share their worries. It's rooted in the concept of communit...
My friend is like a 'worry relief grocery store'; they always give me good advice.
Translating to 'tool person', this term refers to someone who is used by others for their skills or abilities without much mutuality in the relationship. It often carries a negative connotation related to exploitation.
In this team, I feel like I've become a tool person.
Meaning 'drawing,' this term refers to the act of creating visual art, often in the context of digital art or game design. It symbolizes creativity and artistic expression.
I'm planning to draw today and create some new works.
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.
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.
This phrase literally means 'a small dish,' and is used to describe something that is easy to accomplish or achieve. It conveys a sense of ease and confidence.
This problem is a piece of cake for me.
Means 'planning', often used in the context of event organization or project management. It denotes careful thought and strategy.
Our event planning was excellent; everyone is very satisfied.
This playful term refers to older men who are still attractive or desirable, often used in a joking manner. It suggests a charm that transcends age, combining respect with humor.
This older gentleman is really charming; I can’t help but want to look at him more.
This term means 'late-stage laziness' and describes someone who is extremely lazy or has a chronic tendency to procrastinate. It's often used humorously to convey a sense of resignation about one’s lack of motivation.
Right now, I'm in the late stage of laziness; I just want to sleep.
Literally meaning 'elf', this term is used to describe someone who is cute or playful, often in the context of social media aesthetics. It represents a youthful, whimsical spirit.
Her photos are as cute as an elf.
Literally means 'dreamy opening', it describes a perfect or ideal start to a situation, particularly in gaming or competitive contexts. It’s often used humorously to highlight fortunate beginnings.
In this match, I had a dreamy opening, taking an early lead.
This phrase translates to 'princess syndrome', describing an individual, often a young woman, who exhibits entitlement or behaves as if they expect special treatment. It's used to critique selfish or high-maintenance ...
She always complains; she really has princess syndrome.
This term means 'super topic', referring to a specific fandom or community discussion thread on social media platforms like Weibo. It’s where fans gather to talk about their favorite celebrities or themes.
I saw many interesting discussions in a certain super topic today.
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!
Literally translating to 'cat slave,' this term is used to describe someone who is completely devoted to their pet cat, often at the expense of their own time and resources. It reflects the growing trend of pet owners...
I am really a cat slave; I buy delicious food for my cat every day.
Translating to 'lonely king,' this term humorously refers to someone who embraces solitude or is extremely independent. It highlights a cultural acceptance of loneliness as a personal choice rather than a stigma.
He always travels alone; he's truly a lonely king.
This term translates to 'generate' and is often used in the context of creating content, especially in AI discussions or when someone is discussing creativity and output. It can imply that something was produced rapid...
The melody of this song is generated too easily.
This phrase means 'to be in high spirits' or 'to thrive', often used to describe someone who is doing well or feeling uplifted. It's commonly used in a positive context to celebrate achievements or good fortune.
He has been doing well at work lately and is in high spirits.
This term means 'substitute' and is often used to describe a person who is not the primary love interest or the one chosen, often humorously or in fandom contexts. It conveys feelings of unrequited love.
In this story, she is just his substitute.
Translating to 'unpacking gifts', this term is popularly used in the context of reactions to content creators opening gifts or products on live streams or videos. It reflects a trend where audiences enjoy the anticipa...
This streamer's unpacking gift videos are so interesting; everyone is waiting for her reviews.