8 Popular Chinese Internet Slang You Need to Know in 2023
Navigating the language of China’s digital landscape
Learning internet slang is also a part of learning a new language. It’s a unique and dynamic way to understand the culture and trends of a community.
So, let’s dive in and discover what’s popular on the Chinese internet in 2023.
- 栓Q (Shuān Q), Thank you
It’s a funny way of saying “Thank you.” It was popularized by a 70s-born farmer from Yangshuo, Guilin, who used the phrase at the end of a humorous bilingual song he sang. His strange English pronunciation immediately aroused people’s interest and has since become a viral catchphrase.
Later it turned into a sarcastic rant like an “I can’t even” moment for someone or something.
For example:
记错时间，白等了一个小时，我真的 “栓Q”了。
Jì cuò shíjiān, bái děng le yīgè xiǎoshí wǒ zhēn de shuān Q le.
I got the time wrong and waited in vain for an hour. I really “shuan Q”.
2. PUA (CPU/KTV/PPT/ICU), mentally controls someone
When someone says you’ve been “KTV-ed” or “CPU-ed,” it means you’ve been “PUA-ed.” This term became popular after a celebrity accidentally said “CPU” instead of “PUA” during an interview.
PUA stands for Pick-Up Artist, but in this context, it refers to someone mentally controlling you and making you lose self-confidence.
For example:
他不是真的喜欢你，他只是在打压你，别被他“PUA”了！
Tā bùshì zhēn de xǐhuān nǐ, tā zhǐshì zài dǎyā nǐ, bié bèi tā pua le!
He doesn’t really like you, he’s just trying to oppress you, don’t let him PUA you!
3. 冤种 (yuànzhǒng), fool
A term derived from Northeast China dialects means someone upset due to injustice. Influencers from the Northeast popularized this term and is often used to describe someone who does foolish things.
For example:
我的“怨种”朋友睡过头，结果错过电影了。
Wǒ de yuànzhǒng péngyǒu shuìguòtóu, jiéguǒ cuòguò diànyǐng le.
My unfortunate friend overslept and missed the movie as a result.
4. 小镇做题家 (Xiǎozhèn zuòtí jiā), small-town test-taker
This term is usually used to describe a student from a third or fourth-tier city who has performed well in exams but lacks resources.
They are often average in other aspects but are extremely good at exams, a trait that sadly diminishes in value once they enter university.
For example:
“小镇做题家”只顾着考试，忽视了其他能力的培养。
Xiǎo zhèn zuò tí jiā zhǐ gùzhe kǎoshì, hūshìle qítā nénglì de péiyǎng.
The small-town test-taker is only focused on exams, neglecting the cultivation of other skills.
5. 退！退！退！ (tuì! tuì! tuì), back! back! back!
A phrase that blew up after a viral video of a parking dispute between a car owner and a market stall owner. The woman, instead of responding directly to questions, chanted “Tui! Tui! Tui!” (Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!) while stomping her feet and waving her hand.
It’s now used to humorously express opposition or resistance.
For example:
听说我们公司要实行末位淘汰制度了，“退！退！退！”
Tīngshuō wǒmen gōngsī yào shíxíng mòwèi táotài zhìdùle, tuì! tuì! tuì!
I heard our company is going to implement a last-place elimination system, back! back! back!
6. 嘴替 (zuǐ tì)，mouth substitute
Literally translating to “mouth substitute,” this term is used to describe someone who speaks up and accurately captures the collective thoughts of a group of people.
They are often applauded by netizens for their eloquent and concise expressions.
For example:
会说就多说点，真是我的“嘴替”。
Huì shuō jiù duō shuō diǎn, zhēn shì wǒ de zuǐ tì.
You are good at expressing, say more, you really are a substitute for my mouth.
7. 一种很新的×× (yī zhǒng hěn xīn de XX), a very new kind of something
This phrase, which means “a very new kind of XX,” originally surfaced in the comments section of Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok).
Now, it’s widely used to describe incredible or unconventional things or behaviors humorously.
For example:
他居然把冰淇淋加热了吃，他在吃“一种很新的”冰淇淋。
Tā jūrán bǎ bīngqílín jiārè le chī, tā zài chī yī zhǒng hěn xīn de bīngqílín.
He actually heated the ice cream to eat it, he’s eating a very new kind of ice cream.
8. ××刺客 (XX cìkè), something assassin
“刺客” (assassin) refers to high-priced items hidden behind an ordinary exterior or without a clear price tag.
These items are like “assassins” that “stab” consumers with a surprisingly high price when they check out, hurting both their wallets and emotions.
For example:
结账的时候才发现这个巧克力刺客”，只能含泪买下。
Jiézhàng de shíhòu cái fāxiàn zhège qiǎokèlì cìkè，zhǐnéng hántèi mǎi xià”
I only discovered this chocolate assassin at checkout, and had to reluctantly buy it with tears.
Understanding these terms can give you an exciting, humor-filled insight into the Chinese language. Learning Chinese isn’t just about memorizing characters, it’s about understanding the culture and the people.
So next time, impress your Chinese-speaking friends with your command of their internet slang!
