Decoding Popular Chinese Buzzwords From Kuaishou Clips

If you've scrolled through Kuaishou lately—or even just caught a viral clip on WeChat Moments—you’ve probably stumbled upon phrases like “内卷 (nèi juǎn)” or “躺平 (tǎng píng)” and wondered: what on earth are people talking about? These aren’t just random slang terms. They’re cultural snapshots, emotional manifestos, and social critiques all rolled into three-syllable punches. Welcome to the wild, witty world of Chinese internet buzzwords, where every phrase tells a story.

Kuaishou, China’s answer to TikTok but with a more grassroots, down-to-earth vibe, has become a breeding ground for linguistic innovation. Unlike polished Douyin trends, Kuaishou’s content often comes from smaller cities and rural areas, making its slang raw, relatable, and deeply rooted in everyday struggles. So let’s unpack some of the most viral terms lighting up the platform—and why they matter beyond the memes.

What’s Behind the Hype?

These buzzwords aren’t just catchy—they reflect real societal pressures. Take “内卷” (nèi juǎn), literally meaning “involution.” It describes a situation where people work harder and harder but get nowhere—like running on a treadmill that only goes faster. A 2023 survey by Peking University found that 68% of urban youth feel trapped in some form of “involution,” whether in jobs, education, or relationships.

On the flip side, there’s “躺平” (tǎng píng)—“lying flat.” It’s the Gen Z rebellion against hustle culture. Instead of burning out, young workers choose minimalism, low-effort jobs, and emotional disengagement. One Kuaishou user summed it up: “I won’t race if the finish line leads to debt and depression.”

Top 5 Buzzwords You Need to Know

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most-used slang on Kuaishou right now:

As you can see, these terms aren’t just passing fads. They’re symptoms of a generation redefining success, mental health, and self-worth in a high-pressure society.

Why Should You Care?

Whether you're a marketer targeting Chinese youth, a language learner, or just culturally curious, understanding these buzzwords gives you a front-row seat to China’s evolving mindset. Brands that tap into this language authentically—like beverage company Yuanqi Forest using “躺平” in a chill ad campaign—see higher engagement. Those that miss the nuance? Cringe at best, backlash at worst.

And let’s be real: these words are fun. Saying “我破防了!” (“I’m emotionally breached!”) when your favorite team loses is way more dramatic than “I’m sad.”

The Bottom Line

Chinese internet slang from platforms like Kuaishou isn’t just playful wordplay—it’s a mirror held up to society. From burnout to resilience, irony to vulnerability, each buzzword carries layers of meaning. So next time you hear “内卷,” don’t just laugh. Ask: what’s really going on beneath the surface?