Chinese Internet Slang You’ll Actually Hear Online

The rise of the internet and social media has given birth to a vibrant and creative array of Chinese internet slang. These terms not only reflect the mindset and lifestyle of the younger generation but have also become an indispensable part of their daily communication. If you truly want to immerse yourself in the Chinese online world, understanding these popular slang words is essential. Today, let's learn some Chinese internet slang you'll actually hear and use online!

Essential Chinese Internet Slang

1. YYDS (yǒng yuǎn de shén) – Forever God

Meaning: An acronym for "永远的神" (yǒng yuǎn de shén - forever god). Used to describe someone or something as incredibly amazing, perfect, and worthy of worship. It's often used when expressing ultimate admiration or praise.
Example: “这个歌手的现场太稳了，YYDS！” (This singer's live performance is so solid, YYDS! / This singer's live performance is incredibly stable, they're the GOAT!)

2. 绝绝子 (jué jué zǐ)

Meaning: Expresses extreme praise or extreme 吐槽 (tǔcáo - to complain or roast someone/something). When used positively, it means "absolutely amazing," "superb," or "fantastic." When used negatively, it implies "absolutely terrible," "hopeless," or "beyond awful."
Example: “这道菜的味道绝绝子！” (The taste of this dish is absolutely amazing!)

3. 破防了 (pò fáng le)

Meaning: "破防" (pò fáng - break defense) originally refers to a defense being breached in games. It's extended to mean one's psychological defense being broken, leading to an emotional breakthrough, feeling deeply moved, upset, sad, or angry. It's like having your emotional guard come crashing down.
Example: “看到那个视频，我瞬间破防了。” (Seeing that video, I instantly broke down emotionally.)

4. 栓Q (shuān Q)

Meaning: A phonetic transliteration of "Thank you" in English, but almost always used ironically to express helplessness, speechlessness, or sarcastic gratitude for an annoying or frustrating situation. It's a way to say, "Thanks for nothing" or "Seriously?"
Example: “加班到半夜，老板还让明天继续，栓Q！” (Working overtime until midnight, and the boss wants me to continue tomorrow, 'shuan Q'!)

5. EMO了 (EMO le)

Meaning: Short for "Emotional" in English, referring to feeling down, melancholic, or just generally in a sensitive or emotional state.
Example: “今天下雨，听着歌有点EMO了。” (It's raining today, listening to music makes me feel a bit EMO.)

6. 卷 (juǎn)

Meaning: Refers to "内卷" (nèi juǎn - involution or hyper-competition), a phenomenon where internal competition becomes excessively fierce, leading to diminishing returns despite increased effort. It describes a rat race where everyone is working harder but gaining less relative to the overall effort.
Example: “我们公司太卷了，每天都加班到很晚。” (Our company is too 'juan'/competitive, everyone works overtime until very late every day.)

7. 躺平 (tǎng píng)

Meaning: Literally "lie flat." Refers to giving up on striving, not working hard, and not pursuing a high-pressure lifestyle, opting instead for a low-desire, low-cost, and less stressful way of living. It's the philosophical opposite of "卷."
Example: “工作太累了，我只想躺平。” (Work is too tiring, I just want to 'lie flat'.)

8. 大冤种 (dà yuān zhǒng)

Meaning: Refers to someone who has done something foolish, fallen victim to a scam, or suffered a significant loss, yet is helpless to change the situation. It carries a sense of self-mockery or sympathy for the unfortunate individual. Think "poor sap" or "unlucky soul."
Example: “我花高价买了个假货，真是个大冤种。” (I bought a fake product at a high price, I'm really a 'da yuan zhong'/what an unlucky fool I am.)

9. 爷青回 (yé qīng huí)

Meaning: Short for "爷的青春回来了" (yé de qīngchūn huílái le - my youth is back). Expresses excitement and deep nostalgia when seeing or hearing something that strongly reminds one of their younger days or brings back fond memories from their youth.
Example: “看到周杰伦开演唱会，爷青回！” (Seeing Jay Chou's concert, 'ye qing hui'!/My youth is back!)

10. 凡尔赛 (fán'ěrsài)

Meaning: Refers to "Versailles literature" or "Versailles bragging," a style of subtly showing off one's superior life through feigned modesty, humble-bragging, or self-deprecation. It's a roundabout way of highlighting one's advantages.
Example: “我最近瘦了10斤，但衣服都大了，好烦啊。” (I've lost 10 pounds recently, but all my clothes are too big, so annoying. - This is 'Versailles'.)

11. 集美 (jí měi)

Meaning: A phonetic transliteration of "姐妹" (jiěmèi - sisters). Often used among females to address each other, indicating closeness and camaraderie, similar to "girls" or "besties."
Example: “集美们，今天一起去逛街吗？” (Sisters/Girls, shall we go shopping together today?)

12. 夺笋 (duó sǔn)

Meaning: A phonetic transliteration of "多损" (duō sǔn - how mean/harmful). Describes someone's words or actions as very harsh, hurtful, or even vicious.
Example: “你这话也太夺笋了吧！” (What you said is too 'duo sun'/mean/harsh!)

13. 芭比Q了 (bābǐ Q le)

Meaning: Derived from "BBQ" in English, phonetically similar to "完蛋了" (wándàn le - it's over/finished). Describes a situation that's completely messed up, ruined, or beyond repair. It means "it's all gone to hell" or "we're screwed."
Example: “我的电脑死机了，文件没保存，芭比Q了！” (My computer crashed, files not saved, 'Barbie Q'!/It's all over!)

14. 栓Q (shuān Q)

Meaning: (Repeated for emphasis, as it's very common) A phonetic transliteration of "Thank you" in English, but often used ironically to express helplessness, speechlessness, or sarcastic "thanks" in frustrating situations.
Example: “加班到半夜，老板还让明天继续，栓Q！” (Working overtime until midnight, and the boss wants me to continue tomorrow, 'shuan Q'!)

15. 栓Q (shuān Q)

Meaning: (Repeated for emphasis, as it's very common) A phonetic transliteration of "Thank you" in English, but often used ironically to express helplessness, speechlessness, or sarcastic "thanks" in frustrating situations.
Example: “加班到半夜，老板还让明天继续，栓Q！” (Working overtime until midnight, and the boss wants me to continue tomorrow, 'shuan Q'!)

These internet slang terms evolve quickly, but by mastering these basic ones, you'll be better equipped to understand and participate in Chinese online communication. Keep watching and listening, and you too can become an online trendsetter!