Exploring Chinese Internet Slang in 2024 Daily Use
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you've been scrolling through Chinese social media lately—whether it’s Weibo, Xiaohongshu, or Douyin—you’ve probably stumbled upon phrases like ‘绝绝子’ or ‘摆烂’ and wondered: what on earth do they mean? Don’t sweat it. The world of Chinese internet slang in 2024 is wild, fast-paced, and full of flavor. But once you crack the code, it’s not just fun—it’s a cultural goldmine.
Chinese netizens are linguistic artists. Fueled by humor, sarcasm, and a pinch of rebellion, they reinvent language daily. These expressions aren’t just trendy—they reflect real emotions, societal attitudes, and even generational shifts.
Top 5 Must-Know Chinese Internet Slangs in 2024
Let’s break down the most viral terms making waves this year—with meanings, usage, and real-life context.
| Slang | Pronunciation | Literal Meaning | Actual Usage | Popularity Index* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 绝绝子 (jué jué zǐ) | jué jué zǐ | “Absolutely amazing” (doubled for emphasis) | Praise something so good it’s mind-blowing—food, fashion, vibes. | 9.2/10 |
| 摆烂 (bǎi làn) | bǎi làn | “To let it rot” | Intentionally giving up or doing the bare minimum. Think: “I’ll just fail this exam gracefully.” | 8.7/10 |
| 内卷 (nèi juǎn) | nèi juǎn | “Involution” | Over-competition with no real gain—like studying 18 hours a day just to keep up. | 9.5/10 |
| 社死 (shè sǐ) | shè sǐ | “Social death” | That moment when you trip in public and want the ground to swallow you. | 8.9/10 |
| 躺平 (tǎng píng) | tǎng píng | “Lie flat” | Rejecting hustle culture. Choosing peace over pressure. | 9.0/10 |
*Popularity Index based on Baidu Index and Weibo trending data, Q1 2024.
Why These Words Matter
It’s not just about being cool online. These slangs are emotional outlets. Take 内卷 and 躺平—they’re responses to intense work culture. Young people use them to vent, bond, and resist burnout. Meanwhile, 社死 captures universal awkwardness in a hilariously dramatic way.
And yes, brands are jumping on this. From McDonald’s China tweeting “今天你摆烂了吗?” (“Did you bai lan today?”) to beauty influencers saying a lipstick is “绝绝子,” these words are mainstream.
Tips to Use Them Like a Pro
- Know the tone: Some slangs are playful (绝绝子), others are deeply sarcastic (摆烂).
- Avoid formal settings: You won’t impress your boss with “我今天要躺平” (“I’m lying flat today”).
- Pair with emojis: 💀 after “社死” adds extra drama. 🛌 after “躺平” drives the point home.
Bottom line? Chinese internet slang in 2024 isn’t just linguistic flair—it’s a mirror of youth culture, mental health awareness, and digital identity. So next time you see “笑死” (“laughed to death”) or “离谱” (“unbelievable”), don’t just scroll past. Engage. Laugh. Maybe even reply with a solid “绝绝子.”