20 Popular Chinese Internet Slang Words You Need to Know in 2025

A guide to the unique culture of the Chinese web.

Modern Chinese Slang Explained for Internet and Social Media Users

The Chinese internet is full of unique slang that changes fast. If you want to understand social media, young people, or online culture in China, Dao Mandarin introduces 20 popular slang terms—each explained with clear meanings, real-life usage, and audio examples to help you learn correct pronunciation.

Definition: Articles or videos with exaggerated titles to attract clicks.

What the Chinese Slang “标题党 ” means

• 标题 = headline / title

• 党 = “gang,” “clique,” or “type of people” (used jokingly or critically in slang)

So 标题党 literally means “headline gang,” but figuratively it refers to people or media that use exaggerated, misleading, or sensational titles to attract clicks, views, or attention.

How it’s used

It’s often critical or mocking, implying that:

• The headline is dramatic or shocking

• The actual content doesn’t match the title

• The goal is to trick people into clicking

Natural English equivalents

Depending on context:

• Clickbait

• Sensationalized headline

• Misleading headline

• Attention-grabbing title (negative sense)

Definition: Accounts that mainly post promotional or sponsored content.

Literal meaning

• 营销 = marketing

• 号 = account (social media account / channel)

So literally: “marketing account.”But in modern Chinese internet usage, it has a strong negative meaning.

What Internet Chinese Slang "营销号" actually refers to ?

营销号 describes accounts (on WeChat, Weibo, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, etc.) that:

• Mass-produce low-quality content

• Repost or slightly rewrite trending stories

• Use exaggerated or emotional language

• Often spread misleading, shallow, or even false information

• Aim mainly to drive traffic, ads, or product sales

They often overlap with 标题党, but 营销号 focuses more on who is producing the content, not just the headline style.

Typical characteristics

• Sensational or emotional storytelling

• Repetitive formats (“Shocking! You won’t believe…”)

• Little original reporting or insight

• Clear monetization intent (ads, affiliate links, paid promotions)

Natural English equivalents (context-dependent)

There’s no perfect one-to-one translation, but common equivalents include:

• Content farm(s)

• Clickbait media

• Spam accounts

• Low-quality marketing pages

• Tabloid-style online media (in some contexts)

Definition: Someone who argues online for the sake of arguing.

• 杠 = to argue, contradict, or nitpick (slang usage)

• 精 = “expert,” “spirit,” or “creature” (used sarcastically)

What Chinese Slang “杠精” actually means

A 杠精 is someone who:

• Constantly picks fights or argues over trivial details

• Deliberately misinterprets what others say

• Focuses on being “technically correct” rather than reasonable

• Argues for the sake of arguing, not to have a real discussion

The key idea: they enjoy contradicting people, even when it’s pointless.

Chinese Slang 杠精 Tone & usage

• Usually negative or mocking

• Common on social media, forums, and comment sections

• Often overlaps with “troll,” but more focused on pedantic arguing

Example

别跟他吵了，他就是个杠精。
“Don’t argue with him—he’s just a contrarian troll.”

English equivalents (context-dependent)

No perfect one-to-one match, but common translations include:

• Nitpicker

• Pedantic arguer

• Contrarian

• Argumentative troll

• Someone arguing in bad faith

Related expressions

• 抬杠 – to argue just to contradict

• 网络杠精 – online contrarian / internet nitpicker

Definition: Rejecting societal pressure, choosing a simple, stress-free life.

Literal meaning

• 躺 = to lie down

• 平 = flat

So literally: “to lie flat.”

What the Chinese Slang "躺平” actually means

躺平 describes a mindset or lifestyle choice where someone:

• Stops aggressively chasing career success, money, or social expectations

• Rejects overwork, extreme competition, and “hustle culture”

• Chooses minimal effort, low desire, and basic survival instead

It’s not laziness in the simple sense—it’s more of a passive resistance to social pressure.

Social context

The term became popular among young people in China who feel:

• Housing is unaffordable

• Work hours are excessive (e.g. 996 culture)

• Upward mobility feels impossible

So 躺平 is a way of saying:

“If I can’t win this game, I’ll stop playing.”

Example
房价这么高，努力也没用，我选择躺平。
“With housing prices this high, working harder feels pointless—I’m choosing to opt out.”

Natural English equivalents

There’s no exact match, but depending on tone:

• Opting out of the rat race

• Quiet quitting (partially related)

• Choosing a minimalist / low-ambition lifestyle

• Dropping out of hustle culture

Important nuance

• 躺平 = conscious withdrawal

• Not the same as being unemployed or unmotivated by nature

• Often carries social commentary and quiet protest

If you want, I can also explain how 躺平 differs from 摆烂 or 佛系, which are related but not identical ideas.

Definition: To recommend a product online, making others want to buy it.

Literal meaning

• 种 = to plant

• 草 = grass

So literally: “to plant grass.”Figuratively, it means planting the idea/desire for a product, place, or experience in someone’s mind.

What Chinese Slang “种草” actually means

种草 happens when:

• Someone shares a product, restaurant, show, or travel experience

• The recommendation is appealing or persuasive

• The listener/viewer becomes tempted to try or buy it

It’s extremely common in shopping, influencer marketing, and social media (especially Xiaohongshu / RED).

Related terms :

• 被种草 – “I’ve been tempted / influenced”

• 疯狂种草 – strongly recommending / hyping something

• 拔草 – the opposite: to lose interest after learning more or trying it

Example :

看了她的测评，我直接被种草了这款护肤品。
“After watching her review, I was totally sold on this skincare product.”

Natural English equivalents (context-dependent)

• To be sold on something

• To be influenced / persuaded to buy

• Product hype / influencer recommendation

• This made me want to buy it

Tone & usage

• Usually casual and positive

• Can be neutral or ironic if overused by 营销号

• Often used jokingly: “钱包要遭殃了” (“my wallet is going to suffer” 😅)

Definition: A conversation that feels forced or uncomfortable.

Literal meaning

• 尬 = awkward / cringey

• 聊 = to chat

So literally: “awkward chatting.”

What Chinese Slang 尬聊actually means

尬聊 refers to conversations that:

• Feel forced or unnatural

• Have lots of silences or weak responses

• Continue even though both sides know it’s going nowhere

• Are often one-sided or lack chemistry

It’s commonly used for:

• Online chats (dating apps, DMs)

• First meetings

• Conversations where politeness keeps it alive

Example

我们聊了十分钟，全程尬聊。
“We chatted for ten minutes—it was awkward the whole time.”

Related expressions

• 聊天冷场 – conversation goes dead

• 没话找话 – talking just to avoid silence

• 尬住了 – “I’m stuck in an awkward moment”

Natural English equivalents

Depending on tone:

• Awkward small talk

• Painfully awkward conversation

• Cringe chat

• Forced conversation

Tone & usage

• Casual, often humorous or self-mocking

• Very common among young people online

Definition: Someone unambitious or content with doing nothing.

Literal meaning

• 咸鱼 = salted fish

This comes from a famous line:

What 咸鱼 actually means (Chinese Slang)

When used to describe a person, 咸鱼 means someone who:

• Has low ambition or drive

• Is satisfied with the bare minimum

• Doesn’t strive for promotion, success, or improvement

• Often says things like “算了”“随便吧”

It’s not always harsh—very often it’s self-mockery.

Example

我就是条咸鱼，不想努力了。
“I’m just a salted fish—I don’t feel like trying anymore.”

Tone & usage

• Usually humorous, ironic, or self-deprecating

• Can be mildly insulting if said about others

• Common online, especially when people joke about work or life

Natural English equivalents (context-dependent)

• Couch potato

• Unambitious person

• Someone who’s given up

• Living on autopilot

• Dead inside (joking tone)

Related expressions

• 咸鱼翻身 – a miracle comeback (often said sarcastically)

• 快乐咸鱼 – “a happy underachiever”

• 躺平咸鱼 – fully opting out of competition

Definition: Observing drama or gossip without participating.

Literal meaning

• 吃 = to eat

• 瓜 = melon

It comes from the image of people eating melon seeds while watching a show, meaning: “I’m just here to watch.”

What the Chinese Slang “吃瓜 ”actually means

吃瓜 refers to:

• Watching gossip, scandals, or online drama

• Being an uninvolved spectator

• Following events for entertainment, not participation

It often implies:

• Curiosity

• Amusement

• Emotional distance

Example

不知道真假，先吃个瓜。
“Not sure if it’s true—just watching the drama for now.”

Common phrases

• 吃瓜群众 – onlookers / bystanders

• 围观吃瓜 – gathering to watch drama

• 大瓜 – big scandal

• 爆瓜 – to reveal gossip

Tone & usage

• Casual, humorous, sometimes sarcastic

• Extremely common on social media and comment sections

Natural English equivalents

Depending on tone:

• Watching the drama

• Here for the tea ☕

• Spectator to gossip

• Rubbernecking (slightly negative)

Cultural note

Unlike spreading rumors, 吃瓜 emphasizes not taking sides:

Definition: Someone who criticizes or attacks others online.

Literal meaning

• 喷 = to spray / to rant / to attack verbally

• 子 = person (slang suffix)

So literally: “someone who sprays (verbal attacks).”

What  the Chinese Slang “喷子” actually means

A 喷子 is someone who:

• Leaves hostile, aggressive, or abusive comments

• Attacks people, opinions, or works rather than discussing them

• Often criticizes without logic or evidence

• Enjoys provoking anger or chaos

Compared with 杠精, a 喷子 focuses more on insults and emotional attacks, not argument.

Example

评论区全是喷子，根本没法看。
“The comments are full of haters—you can’t even read them.”

Tone & usage

• Clearly negative

• Very common online (games, fandoms, news, social media)

• Can be used seriously or exaggerated for humor

Natural English equivalents

Depending on context:

• Hater

• Internet troll

• Online bully

• Keyboard warrior

Related comparisons

• 喷子 → attacks aggressively

• 杠精 → nitpicks and argues

• 键盘侠 → moralizes loudly but does nothing

Definition: Someone who acts tough online but not in real life.

Literal meaning

• 键盘 = keyboard

• 侠 = hero / knight-errant

So literally: “keyboard hero.”It’s sarcastic, not complimentary.

What  the Chinese Slang “键盘侠” actually means

A 键盘侠 is someone who:

• Acts morally righteous or aggressive online

• Loves lecturing, judging, or “fighting for justice” in comment sections

• Is loud on the internet but does nothing in real life

• Often oversimplifies complex issues

The key idea: brave online, passive offline.

Example

网上骂得最凶的，现实里都是键盘侠。
“The ones who yell the loudest online are just keyboard warriors.”

Tone & usage

• Clearly mocking or dismissive

• Often used in social or political discussions

• Targets performative outrage

Natural English equivalents

• Keyboard warrior

• Armchair activist

• Online moral crusader (contextual)

• Slackivist (milder, activism-focused)

Comparison with similar terms

• 键盘侠 → moralizing, self-righteous online

• 喷子 → abusive or hateful attackers

• 杠精 → nitpicky arguers

Cultural note

In Chinese internet culture, 键盘侠 criticizes symbolic action without real impact—talking big behind a screen.

Definition: People hired to post fake likes, comments, or reviews.

Literal meaning

• 水 = water (slang: fake, inflated, or low-quality activity)

• 军 = army

So literally: “water army,” meaning a large, organized group creating fake noise online.

What  the Chinese Slang “水军” actually means

水军 refers to people or accounts that are:

• Paid or organized by companies, studios, political groups, or individuals

• Hired to post comments, likes, reposts, or reviews

• Meant to manipulate public opinion, boost popularity, or attack competitors

• Often pretending to be “ordinary users”

They can be:

• Positive water army (刷好评 – fake praise)

• Negative water army (黑水军 – smear campaigns)

Example

这条热搜一看就是水军在带节奏。
“That trending topic is obviously being pushed by paid shills.”

Tone & usage

• Strongly negative and accusatory

• Common in fandoms, entertainment news, politics, and product reviews

Natural English equivalents

Context-dependent:

• Paid trolls

• Online shills

• Astroturfing

• Bot accounts / sockpuppets (if automated)

Related terms

• 带节奏 – steering public opinion

• 刷评论 / 刷数据 – manipulating metrics

• 黑公关 – malicious PR attacks

Definition: Managing or restricting comments to control public opinion.

Literal meaning

• 控 = to control

• 评 = comments / reviews

So literally: “controlling comments.”

What the Chinese Slang “控评” actually means

控评 refers to deliberate efforts to:

• Flood comment sections with positive comments

• Bury or drown out negative or critical comments

• Delete, report, or downvote unfavorable opinions

• Create the appearance of unanimous support

It’s commonly done by:

• Fan groups (especially idol fandoms)

• PR teams

• Companies or studios

• Organized 水军

Example

评论区这么干净，明显是在控评。
“The comment section is way too clean—obviously being controlled.”

Tone & usage

• Usually critical or skeptical

• Implies inauthentic public opinion

• Very common in entertainment, product reviews, and hot topics

Natural English equivalents

Depending on context:

• Comment manipulation

• Astroturfed comment section

• PR-managed comments

• Manufactured consensus

Related terms

• 控热度 – manipulating trending metrics

• 带节奏 – guiding public opinion

• 删评 / 压评 – deleting or suppressing comments

Quick comparison

• 水军 → who does the posting

• 控评 → how comments are managed

• 营销号 → accounts spreading traffic-driven content

Definition: People defending a brand or celebrity online.

Literal meaning

• 互联网 = the internet

• 嘴 = mouth

• 替 = substitute / replacement

So literally: “internet mouth substitute.”

What the Chinese Slang “互联网嘴替” actually means

An 互联网嘴替 is a person (often a blogger, commenter, or influencer) who:

• Expresses your thoughts perfectly and boldly

• Says things you agree with but don’t want or dare to say yourself

• Articulates frustration, criticism, or humor on your behalf

• Feels like they’re speaking for you

It often appears in comments under sharp takes, rants, or sarcastic posts.

Example

他说的就是我想说的，简直是我的互联网嘴替。
“He said exactly what I was thinking—he’s basically my internet spokesperson.”

Tone & usage

• Mostly positive or admiring

• Can be humorous or ironic

• Often used when someone roasts, calls out, or clearly summarizes a shared feeling

Natural English equivalents (approximate)

There’s no perfect fixed term, but similar ideas include:

• “He’s speaking for all of us.”

• “My thoughts exactly.”

• “This person is my voice online.”

• “They said it so I don’t have to.”

Cultural nuance

It reflects:

• Collective emotions online

• Desire for articulation in chaotic comment sections

• Relief when someone puts messy feelings into clear words

If you want, I can also explain how 互联网嘴替 differs from 代言人, 意见领袖 (KOL), or 键盘侠, since they sound related but mean very different things.

Definition: How much attention an account or content gets online.

Literal meaning

• 流 = flow

• 量 = amount

So literally: “flow / volume.”

What the Chinese Slang "流量" means online

In the internet context, 流量 refers to:

• Attention (views, clicks, likes, shares, followers)

• Visibility and popularity online

• The ability to attract and hold public attention

It’s the basic “currency” of the internet.

How it’s used

流量 can describe:

1. Metrics

   • 视频有流量 → “The video is getting views”

2. People

   • 流量明星 → “traffic star” (famous mainly because of online attention)

3. Content strategy

   • 蹭流量 → riding trends for exposure

   • 引流 → directing traffic

   • 流量变现 → monetizing attention

Example

现在做内容，不管质量，先要流量。
“These days, content is all about traffic first—quality comes second.”

Tone & nuance

• Can be neutral (analytics sense)

• Often critical, implying:

  • Chasing attention over substance

  • Shallow popularity

  • Short-term hype

Natural English equivalents

Depending on context:

• Traffic

• Views / engagement

• Attention economy

• Clout (informal)

Related slang

• 流量密码 – formula for getting views

• 流量至上 – traffic above all else

• 流量焦虑 – anxiety about attention

• 恰流量 – cashing in on attention

Cultural note

In Chinese internet culture, 流量 is often treated like capital:

attention → influence → money

That’s why it’s frequently mentioned alongside 营销号、水军、控评.

Definition: Directing people to your account or content.

Literal meaning

• 引 = to guide / attract

• 流 = traffic / flow

So literally: “guiding traffic.”

What the Chinese Slang "yi actually means

引流 refers to actions taken to:

• Attract users’ attention on one platform

• Direct them to another place (account, website, group, store)

• Ultimately convert attention into followers, sales, or influence

It’s a core concept in online marketing.

Common scenarios

• Posting viral content to 引流到私域 (WeChat groups, private accounts)

• Leaving comments like “私我” / “看主页” to pull users elsewhere

• Using hot topics or drama to 蹭流量引流

Example

他发这种内容就是为了引流卖课。
“He posts this kind of content just to drive traffic and sell courses.”

Tone & usage

• Neutral in professional marketing contexts

• Often skeptical or negative in everyday internet usage, implying:

  • Hidden commercial intent

  • Low-quality or manipulative tactics

Natural English equivalents

Context-dependent:

• Drive traffic

• User acquisition

• Lead generation

• Traffic funneling

Related terms

• 导流 – similar, slightly more formal

• 私域流量 – private traffic (owned audience)

• 流量变现 – monetizing traffic

• 蹭热点引流 – using trends to attract traffic

Cultural note

In Chinese internet culture, 引流 is often associated with:

• 营销号

• 割韭菜 (scamming or exploiting users)

• Over-commercialized content

Definition: When a platform reduces the visibility of content.

限流 (xiàn liú) is common Chinese internet slang. In English, it’s usually explained as:“traffic throttling,” “reach suppression,” or “being limited by the algorithm.”

Literal meaning

• 限 = to limit

• 流 = traffic / flow

So literally: “limiting traffic.”

What the Chinese Slang "限流 " actually means

限流 refers to a platform intentionally restricting how widely content is shown, usually by its algorithm. When you’re 被限流, your post:

• Gets fewer impressions

• Is not pushed to recommended feeds

• Receives unusually low views, likes, or engagement

Creators often feel like their content has been “shadowed.”

Common reasons people believe they’re 限流

• Content violates or skirts platform rules

• Sensitive topics or keywords

• Excessive advertising or 引流

• Repetitive or low-quality content

• New or previously penalized accounts

(Some are real; some are speculation—platforms are often opaque.)

Example

最近发什么都没流量，感觉被限流了。
“No matter what I post lately, it gets no views—I think I’m being throttled.”

Tone & usage

• Usually complaining or frustrated

• Very common among content creators

• Can be real, exaggerated, or used as a scapegoat for poor performance

Natural English equivalents

Depending on context:

• Shadowbanned

• Algorithm suppression

• Reach throttling

• Not getting pushed by the algorithm

Related terms

• 降权 – reduced account weight/priority

• 封号 – account ban (much more severe)

• 起号 – warming up a new account

• 破限流 – trying to break out of throttling

Cultural note

In Chinese platforms, 流量 is power, so 限流 feels like being cut off from oxygen—hence why creators talk about it constantly.

Definition: The most popular or influential internet celebrity.

Literal meaning

• 顶 = top / peak

• 流 = traffic / attention

So literally: “top traffic.”

What the Chinese Slang “顶流” actually means

顶流 refers to a person (usually in entertainment or online media) who:

• Has massive attention and fan traffic

• Dominates searches, trends, and hot topics

• Can generate huge engagement with minimal effort

• Has strong commercial value (ads, endorsements, box office)

It emphasizes popularity and influence, not necessarily skill.

Example

他现在是娱乐圈的顶流。
“He’s the biggest star in entertainment right now.”

Tone & nuance

• Can be neutral or admiring

• Often slightly critical, implying hype over substance

• Frequently contrasted with 实力派 (skill-based performers)

Common phrases

• 顶流明星 – top traffic star

• 顶流网红 – top influencer

• 顶流塌房 – top star scandal/collapse

Natural English equivalents

Context-dependent:

• A-list celebrity

• Top influencer

• Mega-star

• Internet sensation

Cultural note

In Chinese pop culture, 顶流 reflects the attention economy:

attention → fans → capital

That’s why it often appears alongside terms like 流量、控评、水军.

Definition: Using influence to promote products to followers.

Literal meaning

• 带 = to bring / lead

• 货 = goods

So literally: “bringing goods (to people).”

What the Chinese Slang “带货” actually means

带货 refers to:

• Influencers, streamers, or celebrities promoting and selling products

• Using personal influence or trust to drive purchases

• Often done via livestreams, short videos, or social posts

It’s closely tied to China’s livestream e-commerce ecosystem.

Example

他现在主要靠直播带货赚钱。
“He mainly makes money by selling products through livestreams.”

Tone & usage

• Neutral in business contexts

• Can be skeptical or critical if implying overhyped or low-quality products

Natural English equivalents

Depending on context:

• Influencer marketing

• Livestream commerce

• Affiliate selling

• Social commerce

Related terms

• 带货主播 – livestream seller

• 带货能力 – ability to convert influence into sales

• 翻车带货 – failed / scandalous product promotion

• 恰饭 / 恰流量 – cashing in on influence

Cultural note

In Chinese internet culture, 带货能力 is often valued as much as or more than talent, which is why many 顶流 eventually move into 带货.

Definition: Content that skirts rules or controversy but isn’t illegal.

Literal meaning

• 擦 = to rub against

• 边 = edge / boundary

So literally: “rubbing against the edge.”

What the Chinese Slang “擦边” actually means

擦边 refers to content or behavior that:

• Technically doesn’t break rules, but comes very close

• Exploits gray areas in platform regulations

• Is designed to attract attention while avoiding penalties

It’s extremely common in discussions about platforms and algorithms.

Common contexts

1. 擦边内容

   • Suggestive but not explicit

   • Provocative thumbnails, poses, wording

   • “Soft” sexual or sensational hints

2. 擦边球 (very similar meaning)

   • Taking advantage of loopholes

   • “Playing at the edge of what’s allowed”

3. 擦边引流

   • Using borderline content to gain views or followers

Example

这个账号天天发擦边内容博流量。
“This account posts borderline content just to get views.”

Tone & usage

• Usually critical or dismissive

• Implies calculated intent, not accidental

• Often associated with 流量、限流、封号

Natural English equivalents

Context-dependent:

• Borderline / edgy content

• Rule-skirting

• Toe the line

• Suggestive but not explicit

• Gaming the rules

Cultural note

In Chinese platforms, 擦边 reflects the constant tension between:

creators chasing 流量vsplatforms enforcing rules

That’s why people often say:“不是不违规，是还没被封。”(“It’s not that it’s allowed—it just hasn’t been banned yet.”)

Definition: Excessive competition that wastes effort but produces little reward.

Literal meaning

• 内 = inward

• 卷 = to roll / coil

It originally comes from sociology (involution), describing a system that becomes more complex internally without real progress.

What the Chinese Slang "内卷” means in everyday usage

内卷 refers to situations where:

• Competition keeps intensifying

• Everyone works harder, longer, or sacrifices more

• No one actually benefits in the end

• The standards keep rising just to stay in the same place

In short:

People compete against each other, not to win, but just to avoid losing.

Common contexts

• Work: overtime culture, unpaid extra effort

• School: endless exams, tutoring, rankings

• Society: jobs, housing, resumes, credentials

Example

不加班就落后，加班也没更好，这就是内卷。
“If you don’t work overtime, you fall behind; if you do, nothing improves—that’s involution.”

Tone & nuance

• Usually critical and frustrated

• Implies systemic pressure, not individual failure

• Often paired with 躺平 as a reaction

Natural English equivalents

No perfect one-to-one match, but depending on context:

• Rat race

• Cutthroat competition

• Zero-sum competition

• Diminishing returns from overwork

• Keeping up just to stay afloat

Related terms

• 反内卷 – anti-involution

• 内卷化 – becoming increasingly involuted

• 躺平 – opting out of the rat race

Cultural note

内卷 captures a shared feeling:

effort keeps increasing,but life doesn’t get better.

That’s why it became one of the most important keywords for understanding modern Chinese work and youth culture.

Conclusion: Navigating the Digital Great Wall Through Chinese Slang

As you can see, Chinese internet slang is more than just a set of trendy words—it's a reflection of the social pressures, humor, and daily lives of millions of users. Terms like 内卷 (nèi juǎn) and 躺平 (tǎng píng) speak to a broader generational conversation about work-life balance, while phrases like 种草 (zhòng cǎo) highlight the massive influence of e-commerce in modern China. To truly master Mandarin today, keeping an eye on these digital trends is vital. Slang evolves almost weekly on platforms like Weibo, Xiaohongshu (RED), and Douyin. Don't be afraid to use these words in your chats or comments—native speakers will be impressed by your up-to-date vocabulary! Pro Tip: To stay updated, follow trending hashtags on Xiaohongshu. It's currently the hub for new "buzzwords" and lifestyle trends. Happy learning, and don't let the 喷子 (pēn zi) get you down!