Top Chinese Internet Slang Terms You Need to Know Now

If you’ve ever scrolled through a Chinese social media feed and felt like everyone was speaking a secret code, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The world of Chinese internet slang is fast, fun, and full of flavor. From TikTok (called Douyin in China) to Weibo and Xiaohongshu, netizens are constantly inventing new ways to express themselves—often with a dash of humor, sarcasm, or pure chaos.

So whether you're learning Mandarin, doing business in China, or just curious about digital culture, here’s your ultimate guide to the hottest Chinese internet slang terms right now.

Let’s dive in!

🔥 **Nei Juan (内卷)** – The Burnout Buzzword

Literally meaning 'involution,' *nei juan* describes the intense competition where people work harder but get no real progress. Think: pulling all-nighters just to stay average. It’s the cry of overworked students and office workers everywhere.

📊 According to a 2023 survey by Zhaopin, over 65% of young professionals in China say they feel "trapped in involution" at work.

| Term | Pinyin | Literal Meaning | Actual Use | |------|--------|------------------|-----------| | 内卷 (nèi juǎn) | nei juan | inner rolling | cutthroat competition | | 躺平 (tǎng píng) | tang ping | lie flat | reject hustle culture | | 打工人 (dǎ gōng rén) | da gong ren | working person | sarcastic self-label for employees | | 绝绝子 (jué jué zǐ) | jue jue zi | absolutely amazing | exaggerated praise | | 栓Q | shuan Q | thanks (English) + accent | sarcastic 'thanks' or frustration |

😴 **Tang Ping (躺平)** – The Anti-Hustle Anthem

While *nei juan* is running in circles, *tang ping* says, 'Nah, I’ll just lie down.' It’s a cultural pushback against endless grind. Young people are saying: Why stress if the system’s rigged?

This mindset went viral in 2021 and still echoes today—especially among Gen Z who value mental health over promotions.

💼 **Da Gong Ren (打工人)** – The Working-Class Meme

Everyone from interns to CEOs jokingly calls themselves *da gong ren*. It’s like saying 'I’m just a cog in the machine' with a wink. Used in memes like: 'Morning! Another beautiful day to be a working person!' 🤡

✨ **Jue Jue Zi (绝绝子)** – The Over-the-Top Compliment

Seen under cute pet videos or fashion posts? This term means something is so good it’s *unbelievably* good. But use it carefully—it’s trending toward cringe.

🦆 **Shuan Q (栓Q)** – The Sarcastic Sign-Off

A mix of broken English ('thank you') and frustration. Saying 'Shuan Q' after a bad experience is like muttering 'thanks, I hate it.' It blew up after a viral rural English teacher video.

Why does this matter? Because understanding slang = understanding culture. These words aren’t just jokes—they reflect real social pressures.

💡 Pro Tip: Use these in casual chats, not formal emails!

Whether you're flirting on WeChat or analyzing youth trends, knowing these terms gives you the edge. So next time someone says 'I’m just a da gong ren trying to avoid nei juan,' you’ll know exactly what they mean.

Stay woke, stay fluent.