Decoding Popular Chinese Buzzwords from Short Videos
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
Ever scrolled through TikTok or Xiaohongshu and felt like everyone’s speaking a whole new language? You’re not alone. Chinese short video platforms are breeding grounds for viral slang—cute, sarcastic, and sometimes totally confusing. Let’s dive into the most popular buzzwords sweeping China’s digital scene in 2024.
Why Are These Buzzwords So Powerful?
Short videos thrive on emotion and relatability. A single phrase can capture a mood, mock societal pressure, or unite millions in laughter. These aren’t just words—they’re cultural snapshots. Think of them as internet hieroglyphics with attitude.
Top 5 Must-Know Chinese Buzzwords (2024 Edition)
1. 躺平 (Tǎng Píng) – “Lie Flat”
Once a quiet protest against overwork, this term now symbolizes opting out of hustle culture. It’s not laziness—it’s self-preservation. Young workers use it to say, “I’m done chasing promotions at the cost of my health.”
2. 内卷 (Nèi Juǎn) – “Involution”
A metaphor for self-defeating competition. Imagine studying 16 hours a day just to stay average. That’s nèi juǎn. It’s used in schools, offices, even parenting groups. Everyone’s running, but no one’s moving forward.
3. 打工人 (Dǎ Gōng Ré) – “Laborer” / “Working Joe”
A self-deprecating term for anyone stuck in the 9-to-9 grind. It’s equal parts pride and pain. Morning memes often start with “Morning, fellow laborers!”—a bittersweet salute to the daily hustle.
4. 绝绝子 (Jué Jué Zǐ) – “Absolutely Amazing”
Originating from anime culture, this exaggerated praise is now everywhere—from food reviews to selfies. It’s the Chinese equivalent of “slay!” or “chef’s kiss,” but way more playful.
5. 栓Q (Shuān Q) – “Thank You” (but make it sarcastic)”
A phonetic mashup of “thank you” in a heavy accent, turned meme. Used to express frustration or disbelief. Example: “Boss gave me extra work on Friday…栓Q!”
Buzzword Breakdown: Usage & Sentiment
| Buzzword | Literal Meaning | Emotional Tone | Monthly Search Volume (Baidu) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 躺平 | Lie Flat | Resigned, calm | 820,000 |
| 内卷 | Involution | Frustrated, critical | 1.2M |
| 打工人 | Working Joe | Sarcastic, relatable | 950,000 |
| 绝绝子 | Superb-ness | Playful, exaggerated | 670,000 |
| 栓Q | Thank You (meme) | Ironic, annoyed | 1.5M |
How to Use Them Like a Pro
- Be context-aware: Saying “躺平” at a job interview? Probably not wise.
- Pair with emojis: 内卷 + 😩 = instant relatability.
- Don’t overdo it: Buzzwords lose charm when forced. Use like hot sauce—just enough to spice things up.
These phrases aren’t just trends—they reflect real anxieties and joys of modern Chinese youth. Mastering them doesn’t make you fluent in Mandarin, but it does give you a backstage pass to the mindset shaping Asia’s biggest digital culture.