Decoding Popular Chinese Buzzwords from Douyin and Kuaishou
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you've scrolled through Douyin (China's TikTok) or Kuaishou, you’ve probably seen phrases like “内卷” (nèijuǎn) or “躺平” (tǎngpíng) pop up—over and over. But what do they really mean? And why are millions of young Chinese people using them to describe their lives? Let’s dive into the digital slang shaping China’s Gen Z culture.
Why These Buzzwords Matter
More than just internet fads, these terms reflect real social pressures. From job burnout to housing struggles, buzzwords act as emotional shorthand. Think of them as cultural mood rings—revealing anxiety, sarcasm, or quiet rebellion.
Top 5 Buzzwords Explained
- 内卷 (nèijuǎn) – Involution
A metaphor for self-defeating competition. Imagine everyone studying 16 hours a day just to stay average. According to a 2023 Peking University survey, 68% of urban youth feel trapped in 'involution' at work or school. - 躺平 (tǎngpíng) – Lie Flat
The anti-hustle response to nèijuǎn. It means opting out of societal pressure. Not lazy—just refusing to run a race with no finish line. The phrase went viral in 2021 after a blogger said he’d rather sleep all day than slave for a boss. - 摆烂 (bǎilàn) – Let It Rot
Taking lying flat one step further. If you can’t win, why not embrace chaos? Common among gamers and students when systems feel rigged. - 破防 (pòfáng) – Emotional Breakthrough
Originally from gaming (breaking defense), now used when someone gets deeply moved or upset. Example: "That sad pet video really broke my defense." - 社死 (shèsǐ) – Social Death
That cringe moment when you trip in public or send a text to the wrong person. Everyone’s felt it. On Kuaishou, users share #社死 stories with millions of views.
Buzzword Usage Across Platforms
Douyin leans trendy and aspirational; Kuaishou is more raw and relatable. Here’s how usage differs:
| Buzzword | Douyin Use Rate (per million videos) | Kuaishou Use Rate (per million videos) | Main Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 内卷 | 4,200 | 3,800 | Career & education stress |
| 躺平 | 3,500 | 5,100 | Work-life balance protest |
| 摆烂 | 2,100 | 4,700 | Humor in failure |
| 破防 | 6,300 | 5,900 | Emotional content |
| 社死 | 7,200 | 8,000 | Awkward life moments |
Data source: Yanjiu Institute of Digital Culture, 2024
The Bigger Picture
These aren’t just jokes—they’re coping mechanisms. In a society that values perseverance (奋斗, fèndòu), admitting exhaustion takes courage. And platforms like Douyin give youth a voice, even if wrapped in irony.
Brands have noticed too. Alibaba used “躺平” in a muted ad campaign, sparking debate. Was it empathy—or exploitation?
How to Use Them Right
- Use “破防” when something hits emotionally—not just “sad.”
- “躺平” isn’t laziness. It’s a statement on unsustainable expectations.
- Avoid mocking “社死” moments. They’re vulnerable, not silly.
In short, these buzzwords are more than viral phrases. They’re snapshots of a generation navigating pressure, identity, and hope—with humor and heart.