The Chinese writing system is difficult for non-native speakers, but it is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and can be important for your career. Besides, it can be fun and interesting to learn a new language too. The Internet is now rapidly becoming mainstream in China, with the region becoming the largest social media market boasting roughly 1 billion people who are online.
Therefore, to get you all prepped for the Chinese-speaking Internet, let us take a look and learn eight funny Chinese Internet slang that are commonly used across social media platforms, and the meanings behind them!
1. Pāi Mǎ Pì (拍马屁)
Pāi (拍) means to pat, and mǎ pì (马屁) means a horse’s butt. This phrase means to say that someone is bootlicking someone else. This originated from ancient China during the Yuan Dynasty, where when people met with owners of horses, they would pat their horses’ butts strongly to praise the owners for raising them well.
2. Piàoliang Gēgē (漂亮哥哥) and Piàoliang Jiějiě (漂亮姐姐)
Piàoliang Gēgē (漂亮哥哥), used for males, is translated as “pretty brother”. Piàoliang Jiějiě (漂亮姐姐), used for females, is translated as “pretty sister”. Netizens use these phrases to compliment someone’s looks. You may see this in shortform in English on Chinese social media platforms being typed as “plgg” for males and “pljj” for females.
3. Èrsānsān (二三三)
Either typed as “233” or “èrsānsān”, it refers to an emoji code for someone pounding on the floor laughing. You may know this as “LOL” or “ROFL”, which extends to “laughing out loud” or “rolling on the floor laughing” respectively.
4. Xiàosǐ Wǒ Lè (笑死我了)
Xiào sǐ wǒ le (笑死我了) or typed as “xswl” for short in English, translates to “laughing to death”. Similar to “LOL”, it is also commonly used by Chinese netizens to respond to online content that is funny.
5. Zhēnqíng Shígǎn (真情实感)
Zhēnqíng shígǎn (真情实感) or typed as “zqsg” for short in English, means “true feelings”. Chinese netizens typically use these when commenting on movies, dramas, or posts where there are heart-warming situations.
6. Jué Jué Zi (绝绝子)
Jué Jué Zi (绝绝子), loosely translated as “terrific” or “fantastic” in English. The slang started out being used to express compliments and to praise someone. However, after netizens started delivering it in sarcastic tones, it is now used to say that something is either good or bad.
7. Tǎng Píng (躺平)
Tǎng Píng (躺平) means “lying down flat”. It is used to describe someone who gives up, takes a break and does nothing. This was netizens’ response to China’s infamous, brutal culture of working 9AM to 9PM every day for six days a week, resulting in being overworked and burnt out.
8. Yǒngyuǎn De Shén (永远的神)
Yǒngyuǎn De Shén (永远的神), or “yyds” for short in English, means “eternal God”. Chinese netizens use this Chinese slang to describe someone who is the best at doing something. It is akin to the English slang of “GOAT” or “Greatest of All Time” when crowning someone as the cream of the crop in whatever they do.
You Are Ready for Chinese Internet!
Congratulations, you are now Chinese-speaking Internet-friendly with the arsenal of Chinese Internet slang at your disposal. Try engaging in a conversation with Chinese-speaking users on Mandarin Inn. Whether you are a beginner or already know Mandarin, they are ready to help you to learn!
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