How Short Video Apps Boost Chinese Internet Slang Growth

In the fast-paced world of digital China, short video apps aren’t just for dance challenges and pet clips—they’re quietly reshaping the way people speak. Platforms like Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese cousin), Kuaishou, and Xiaohongshu have become linguistic laboratories, where internet slang is born, tested, and spreads like wildfire. But how exactly are these 15-second videos fueling the evolution of modern Chinese?

The Viral Engine: From Meme to Mainstream

Every day, over 700 million users log into Douyin alone, according to 2023 data from QuestMobile. That’s a massive audience primed to absorb—and repeat—catchy phrases. When a creator says something quirky like “社死 (she si)”—meaning “social death” after an embarrassing moment—it doesn’t just fade. It gets remixed, repeated, and reborn in thousands of videos.

Take the phrase “绝绝子 (jue jue zi),” which started as ironic praise but quickly became a go-to compliment for anything impressive. Within months, it exploded across platforms, showing up in everything from food reviews to fashion hauls. This isn’t random—it’s algorithm-driven linguistics. The more engagement a phrase gets, the more the app pushes it. It’s survival of the fittest… in slang form.

Who’s Leading the Lexicon Revolution?

It’s not just influencers with millions of followers. In fact, grassroots creators—especially Gen Z and young millennials—are the real slang architects. A 2024 CNNIC report found that 68% of new internet terms originate from users under 25. These younger netizens blend sarcasm, pop culture, and regional dialects to craft expressions that feel fresh and authentic.

For example, “内卷 (nei juan)” meaning “involution” or cutthroat competition, gained traction through short videos mocking workplace stress. Similarly, “躺平 (tang ping)” or “lying flat,” became a cultural slogan via viral monologues about rejecting hustle culture. These aren’t just words—they’re social commentaries wrapped in meme-worthy delivery.

Data Dive: Top Slang Terms Born on Short Video Platforms

Here’s a snapshot of popular terms and their rise, based on Baidu Index and Weibo trending data:

As you can see, these terms aren’t niche—they’re mainstream. And their spread is directly tied to video content that’s relatable, emotional, or just plain funny.

Why It Matters Beyond the Memes

This isn’t just about language. It’s about identity. Short video slang gives young Chinese a voice—one that’s playful, critical, and deeply connected to online community. Linguists now study these platforms like sociologists study street corners. After all, if language reflects society, then Douyin might be the most honest mirror we’ve got.

So next time you hear someone say “我裂开了 (wo lie kai le)” — “I’m cracked open” (aka mentally overwhelmed)—remember: it probably started with a 12-second clip, a sad panda filter, and a million shares.