How Short Videos Define Modern Chinese Internet Slang
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
In today’s fast-paced digital China, short videos aren’t just entertainment—they’re cultural engines. Platforms like Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese cousin) and Kuaishou have become linguistic laboratories, where internet slang is born, spreads, and evolves at lightning speed. From quirky catchphrases to meme-worthy gestures, short videos shape how young Chinese netizens talk, text, and even think.
The Rise of Video-Driven Language
Back in the day, internet slang emerged from forums or chatrooms. Now? It’s all about the 15-second clip. A single viral video can launch a phrase into the national lexicon overnight. Take “xíng háng bìng” (‘involution disease’), a term mocking burnout culture, which gained traction through satirical skits on work-life imbalance. Or “wǒ tài nán le” (‘I’m going through too much’), popularized by a tearful deliveryman in a viral Douyin post.
According to CNNIC, over 80% of Chinese internet users watch short videos weekly, with users under 35 making up nearly 70% of that group. This demographic isn’t just watching—they’re imitating, remixing, and spreading language like wildfire.
From Screen to Speech: How Slang Spreads
Short videos act as both creators and amplifiers. Creators use exaggerated expressions, subtitles, and repetition to make phrases stick. Once a term hits critical mass, it jumps from screens to real life—used in classrooms, offices, and even official media.
Here’s a look at some iconic slang terms born from short videos:
| Phrase | Literal Meaning | Origin | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 咱就是说 (Zán jiùshì shuō) | Let me be clear | Douyin commentary style | “咱就是说，这奶茶真不咋地。” |
| 社死 (Shè sǐ) | Social death | Kuaishou cringe comedy | “当众摔跤？直接社死了！” |
| 绝绝子 (Jué jué zǐ) | Amazing to the max | Fashion influencers | “这穿搭太绝绝子了！” |
| 摆烂 (Bǎi làn) | To give up gracefully | Youth resilience trend | “卷不动了，干脆摆烂。” |
These terms aren’t just funny—they reflect deeper social sentiments. ‘Social death’ captures anxiety in hyper-connected society, while ‘bǎi làn’ reveals Gen Z’s pushback against relentless pressure.
Why It Matters
Linguists are paying attention. Dr. Li Wen from Peking University notes, “Video-based slang is more visual, emotional, and performative than text-based predecessors.” This shift changes how language evolves—faster, more visual, and highly contextual.
Brands get it too. Companies now hire ‘slang consultants’ to stay relevant. When Pepsi used ‘绝绝子’ in an ad, engagement spiked by 40%. But missteps happen—old-school brands using trendy slang often come off as cringe, proving authenticity matters.
The Future of Chinese Net Language
As AI-generated content and live streaming grow, expect even faster slang cycles. Today’s viral phrase might be tomorrow’s outdated joke. Yet one thing’s clear: short videos have redefined not just how we communicate, but what we say—and why.
So next time you hear ‘我太难了’ or see someone doing the ‘fake laugh’ trend, remember: you’re not just watching a video. You’re witnessing language in motion.