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Chinese slang for netspeak

BDJW

This acronym stands for '不懂就问' (bù dǒng jiù wèn), which means 'If you don't understand, just ask.' It originated from Chinese online communities as a way to encourage open discussion and learning. The phrase reflects the Chinese cultural value of humility and continuous learning. It's commonly used in online forums, chat groups, and even in educational settings when someone wants to ask a question but feels shy or unsure. The term gained popularity through its use in various online platforms like Zhihu (Chinese Quora) and Bilibili, where users often preface their questions with 'BDJW' to show they're genuinely seeking knowledge.

    YY

    YY stands for '意淫' (yì yín), referring to unrealistic fantasies or daydreams. Originally carrying negative connotations, this term has gradually become more neutral in online contexts, often used to describe beautiful imaginations or aspirations. It reflects the phenomenon of people seeking psychological comfort or escaping reality through imagination in the internet age.

      p

      p stands for '屁' (pì) and fp stands for '放屁' (fàng pì), both used to describe nonsense or baseless statements. These terms originated from online forums and are often used to refute or satirize others' opinions. They reflect the straightforward and sharp characteristics of internet language, while also highlighting the tension between freedom of speech and responsibility in online environments.

        fp

        p stands for '屁' (pì) and fp stands for '放屁' (fàng pì), both used to describe nonsense or baseless statements. These terms originated from online forums and are often used to refute or satirize others' opinions. They reflect the straightforward and sharp characteristics of internet language, while also highlighting the tension between freedom of speech and responsibility in online environments.

          佛系

          This term describes a lifestyle or attitude of being calm, detached, and unbothered by stress or competition. It’s like saying, "Whatever happens, happens." People who are "佛系" don’t stress over things they can’t control and go with the flow. It’s often used to describe someone who’s not ambitious in a traditional sense but is content with life as it is.

          • Chinese slang meme 佛系
          • Chinese slang meme 佛系
          • Chinese slang meme 佛系

          躺平

          This term refers to rejecting societal expectations of working hard, achieving success, and constantly striving for more. Instead, people who "躺平" choose to do the bare minimum to get by, avoiding stress and competition. It’s a form of passive resistance to the pressures of modern life, especially in a highly competitive society like China.

          • Chinese slang meme 躺平
          • Chinese slang meme 躺平
          • Chinese slang meme 躺平

          破防了

          This term originally comes from gaming, where "破防" means "breaking through defense." In internet slang, it’s used to describe a moment when someone’s emotions are so deeply affected that they feel overwhelmed—whether by sadness, anger, or even joy. It’s like saying, "I’m emotionally wrecked" or "This hit me right in the feels."

            社死

            This term describes an extremely embarrassing situation that makes you want to disappear from society. It’s like saying, "I want to crawl into a hole and never come out." It’s often used when someone does something awkward or cringe-worthy in public or online, and they feel like they can never recover from it.

              内卷

              This term refers to a situation where people are forced to compete harder and harder just to maintain the same level of success or status, often without any real improvement in outcomes. It’s like running faster and faster on a treadmill but not actually getting anywhere. It’s commonly used to describe the pressures of school, work, or life in general, especially in highly competitive environments.

                凡尔赛

                This term comes from the French palace "Versailles," symbolizing luxury and extravagance. In Chinese internet slang, it refers to someone who pretends to complain or be modest while actually showing off their wealth, success, or good fortune. It’s like saying, "Ugh, I’m so tired from shopping at all these luxury stores."

                  真香

                  This term comes from a reality TV show where a participant refused to eat rural food but later couldn’t stop eating it, saying, "It’s actually delicious" (真香). It’s now used to describe situations where someone initially rejects something but ends up loving it. It’s like saying, "I was wrong, this is amazing."

                  • Chinese slang meme 真香
                  • Chinese slang meme 真香
                  • Chinese slang meme 真香

                  杠精

                  This term refers to someone who loves to argue or nitpick, often just for the sake of being contrary. A "杠精" will disagree with everything, even if they don’t have a valid point. It’s like calling someone a "troll" or "contrarian" in English.

                    沙雕

                    This term literally means "sand sculpture," but it’s a playful homophone for "傻屌" (*shǎ diǎo*), which means "silly" or "dumb." It’s used to describe something or someone as funny, absurd, or ridiculous in a lighthearted way. It’s like saying, "This is so dumb, but I love it."

                      上头

                      This term literally means "going to the head," like the feeling of being drunk. In internet slang, it’s used to describe something so addictive or exciting that you can’t stop thinking about it or doing it. It’s like saying, "I’m obsessed" or "This is so addictive."

                        舔狗

                        This term literally means "licking dog," and it refers to someone who goes to extreme lengths to please or win over someone they’re attracted to, often without reciprocation. It’s like calling someone a "simp" or "doormat" in English.

                          锦鲤

                          This term literally means "koi fish," which are considered symbols of good luck and fortune in Chinese culture. In internet slang, it refers to someone or something that brings good luck. It became popular after a Chinese girl won a lottery prize by reposting a "锦鲤" image, sparking a trend of sharing "锦鲤" posts for good luck.

                            打工人

                            This term literally means "working person" and is used to describe ordinary employees or laborers. It gained popularity as a self-deprecating and humorous way for people to refer to themselves, especially when acknowledging the hardships of work life. It reflects a mix of resilience and resignation to the daily grind.

                              画饼

                              This term literally means "drawing a pie" and refers to making empty promises or painting an unrealistic picture of the future. It’s often used in workplaces when bosses or leaders promise rewards or success without delivering. It’s like saying, "All talk, no action."

                                白嫖

                                This term literally means "white嫖" (嫖 refers to prostitution, but here it’s used metaphorically). It describes getting something for free without contributing or paying, often in a cheeky or shameless way. It’s like saying, "freeloading" or "mooching."

                                  种草

                                  This term literally means "planting grass" and is used to describe recommending or hyping up a product, service, or idea. It’s like saying, "This is worth checking out!" The idea is that the recommendation "plants" a desire in someone’s mind.

                                    拔草

                                    This term literally means "pulling out grass" and is the opposite of "种草." It refers to losing interest in something that was previously recommended or hyped up. It’s like saying, "This isn’t as good as I thought."

                                      摸鱼

                                      This term literally means "touching fish" and refers to slacking off or procrastinating at work or school. It’s like saying, "I’m just chilling" or "I’m not really working." It’s often used humorously to describe avoiding responsibilities.

                                        社畜

                                        This term literally means "corporate livestock" and refers to employees who are overworked and treated like cogs in a machine. It’s a self-deprecating term used to describe the exhausting and dehumanizing aspects of corporate life.

                                          扩列

                                          This term literally means "expanding the list" and refers to making new friends or connections, especially online. It’s often used in social media or gaming communities to describe adding new people to your friend list.

                                            面基

                                            This term literally means "meeting the base" and refers to meeting someone in person after getting to know them online. It’s often used in gaming or social media communities to describe offline meetups.

                                              实锤

                                              This term literally means "solid hammer" and refers to concrete evidence or proof of something. It’s often used in discussions or debates to confirm that something is true or undeniable.

                                                带节奏

                                                This term literally means "setting the rhythm" and refers to influencing or steering the direction of a discussion, often in a manipulative way. It’s like saying, "leading the narrative" or "stirring the pot."

                                                  nb

                                                  This term literally means 'cow's vagina' but is used to describe something or someone as awesome, amazing, or impressive. It originated from northern Chinese dialects and became popular nationwide through internet culture.

                                                    niubi

                                                    The pinyin version of 'nb', meaning awesome or impressive. It's often used in a humorous or exaggerated way to praise someone or something.

                                                      吃瓜

                                                      Literally 'eating melon', referring to people who watch drama unfold without getting involved. Often used online with a teasing tone.