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 '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 '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 '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.
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!
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.
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 'seeking help online', this term describes the act of asking for assistance or advice through social media platforms. It reflects the growing trend of seeking community help in digital spaces.
I am seeking help online, hoping to receive some advice.
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.
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 '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.
The term '888' is an internet slang often used to express applause or encouragement, similar to saying 'good job' or 'well done.' It's derived from the sound of the word for 'bar' (发, fā), which is associated with goo...
Everyone's performance was excellent; well done!
Translating to 'plucking stars,' this metaphorical expression describes reaching for dreams or achieving something significant, often used in inspirational contexts.
Let’s work hard to pluck the stars for our dreams!
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!
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?
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!
Guys, who gets it?! / Family, can anyone relate?
Guys, can anyone relate?! My boss actually praised me today!
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 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.
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.
This slang term means 'to pick up girls' and is often used in discussions about dating strategies. It conveys a casual, sometimes playful approach to flirting or dating.
His skills in picking up girls at the bar are impressive.
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.
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.
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.
A phonetic code that sounds like 我愿意 (wǒ yuànyì, 'I am willing' / 'I do'). Used as a romantic declaration, especially on May 21st — China's second unofficial Valentine's Day. If 520 means 'I love you,' 521 means 'I do.'
Today is 521, I want to tell you — I am willing to walk through this life with you.
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 'cat litter officer,' this humorous term is used to refer to pet owners, especially cat owners. It comically frames the responsibilities of pet ownership as an official duty.
Today, I have to fulfill my duties as a cat litter officer and clean the litter box for my cat.
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!
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.
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 '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.
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.
Cutting leeks / Scamming retail investors - When whales or projects take money from naive investors.
This project is just here to scam retail investors.
Waaah / crying — 555 mimics the sound of sobbing (呜呜呜, wū wū wū). Used to express sadness, disappointment, or mock-crying online. The more 5s you type, the more dramatic the crying.
Failed the exam, wahhh 555, I feel awful.
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.
Literally means 'Mr. Almost.' This term describes someone who is overly casual or indifferent about details, often resulting in subpar outcomes.
He is always Mr. Almost when it comes to work, making it hard for people to trust him.
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!
Literally 'milk dad', used to refer to fathers who are nurturing and involved in childcare, often used in a positive light.
He's a hands-on dad, often taking the kids to the park.
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.
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.
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 '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.
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!
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!
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.
This term is derived from the sound of crying and expresses emotional distress or sadness, particularly in a humorous context. It’s often used in memes or comments when expressing minor complaints.
I got scolded by the boss again today, uu.
Literally meaning 'Beijing circle', this term refers to the elite social circles in Beijing, often used to describe celebrities and influencers who operate within high-status environments. It implies exclusivity, priv...
She has become quite popular in the Beijing circle lately, landing many advertising contracts.
Literally meaning 'deliver takeout,' this term is often used to describe working in the food delivery sector, but can also imply low-status jobs in a joking manner. It reflects a humorous view of gig economy jobs.
He’s delivering takeout now and starting his own business.
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.
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.
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