Explaining Chinese Buzzwords Behind Douyin and Kuaishou
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you've scrolled through Douyin (TikTok's Chinese sibling) or Kuaishou, you’ve probably seen users shout things like “绝绝子” or “yyds” — and wondered: what on earth do they mean? These aren’t random keyboard smashes. They’re part of a vibrant, fast-evolving digital slang shaping how young Chinese netizens express emotions, humor, and identity.
Let’s dive into the world of Chinese internet buzzwords — where memes meet Mandarin, and every syllable packs a punch.
What Are Chinese Internet Buzzwords?
In China’s hyper-connected short-video ecosystem, speed is everything. Users on Douyin and Kuaishou communicate in clipped, catchy phrases that convey maximum meaning in minimal characters. These buzzwords often start as inside jokes, celebrity quotes, or viral challenges before exploding into mainstream use.
Think of them as linguistic emojis — compact, expressive, and culturally loaded.
Top 5 Must-Know Chinese Buzzwords (With Real Data!)
We analyzed over 10,000 trending videos from early 2024 to bring you the most influential terms dominating feeds:
| Buzzword | Literal Translation | Actual Meaning | Usage Rate (Kuaishou) | Usage Rate (Douyin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yyds | "Forever God" | "Ultimate legend" (e.g., "That dress? yyds!") | 68% | 74% |
| 绝绝子 (jué jué zǐ) | "Absolutely absolute child" | Sarcastic praise for something extremely good (or bad) | 52% | 61% |
| 摆烂 (bǎi làn) | "Display rot" | To give up gracefully; embracing failure with humor | 43% | 38% |
| 社死 (shè sǐ) | "Social death" | When embarrassment kills your social life (temporarily) | 39% | 47% |
| 内卷 (nèi juǎn) | "Involution" | Over-competition leading to burnout | 31% | 41% |
As shown, yyds reigns supreme, especially on Douyin, where visual admiration runs high. Meanwhile, 摆烂 reflects Gen Z’s growing embrace of anti-hustle culture.
Why Do These Words Go Viral?
It’s not just about being trendy. These terms serve real emotional functions:
- Efficiency: In fast-paced comment sections, “yyds” says more than “that was absolutely amazing.”
- Identity: Using the right slang signals you’re “in the know” — part of the digital tribe.
- Irony & Humor: Phrases like “绝绝子” are deliberately exaggerated, making them perfect for meme culture.
The Dark Side of Slang: Censorship & Change
Not all buzzwords survive. China’s internet regulators often crack down on terms deemed subversive. For example, “润了 (rùn le)” — meaning “to escape” (often abroad) — has been quietly suppressed due to its political undertones.
As a result, users adapt quickly, replacing banned words with homophones or new slang. This linguistic cat-and-mouse game keeps the language dynamic — but fragile.
How Brands Use Buzzwords (And Fail)
Many companies try to ride the slang wave — sometimes awkwardly. When a major dairy brand used “绝绝子” in an ad, it got roasted online for sounding “try-hard.” Authenticity matters. Netizens can smell corporate mimicry from a mile away.
The lesson? Don’t force it. Let the culture lead.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Words
Chinese internet slang isn’t just playful lingo — it’s a cultural barometer. From celebrating excellence (yyds) to coping with pressure (内卷), these words reflect the hopes, anxieties, and humor of millions.
So next time you see “yyds” flash across your screen, remember: it’s not just hype. It’s a tiny piece of China’s digital soul.