Online Buzzwords China From TikTok to Daily Talk
- Date：
- Views：13
- Source：The Silk Road Echo
China's internet slang isn't just random noise—it's a cultural revolution unfolding in real time. If you've ever scrolled through TikTok (or its Chinese twin, Douyin) and felt lost in a sea of mysterious phrases like 'XSWL' or 'YYDS,' welcome to the wild world of Chinese online buzzwords. These aren’t just passing fads; they’re linguistic shortcuts that capture emotions, trends, and societal shifts—all compressed into a few characters.
Take 'YYDS,' for example. Short for 'Yong Yuan Di Shen' (永远的神), it literally means 'eternal god' but is used to hype anything from a basketball player’s dunk to your friend’s flawless makeup. In 2021, 'YYDS' was mentioned over 47 million times on Weibo alone, according to Sina Data. That’s not just popularity—that’s digital religion.
Then there’s 'XSWL'—'Xia Si Wo Le' (笑死我了), meaning 'I’m dying of laughter.' It’s the Chinese equivalent of ROFL, but with more flair. And let’s not forget 'ZQSG' ('Zhan Qi Lai Sheng Ge,' 战起来生个), which urges people to 'fight hard and live fully.' These terms aren’t just used by teens—they’ve infiltrated news headlines, ad campaigns, and even government social media posts.
Why does this matter? Because understanding these buzzwords is like getting a backstage pass to China’s youth culture. They reflect humor, resilience, and sometimes subtle rebellion. During the pandemic, terms like 'Da Jiuju' (大橘橘, 'big orange')—a cute nickname for quarantine zones—softened the fear around lockdowns. Language became a coping mechanism.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most influential Chinese internet slang in 2023:
| Buzzword | Meaning | Literally Translates To | Usage Growth (YoY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| YYDS | Eternal God / Ultimate Praise | 永远的神 | +62% |
| XSWL | Dying of Laughter | 笑死我了 | +41% |
| ZQSG | Fight Hard, Live Fully | 战斗起来 生个 | +55% |
| NVMD | Never Mind (Pinyin: Na Mei Shi) | 那没事 | +33% |
| Da Jiuju | Big Orange (Quarantine Zone) | 大橘橘 | +78% |
These terms don’t just live online—they jump into real life. Cafés in Shanghai now sell 'YYDS bubble tea,' while street vendors in Chengdu shout 'XSWL!' when someone slips on a banana peel (yes, really). Brands like Li-Ning and Huawei use them in ads to stay relevant.
The secret sauce? Brevity + emotion + meme power. Chinese netizens love blending irony, cuteness, and sarcasm. A phrase like 'Jieliang' (精神内耗, 'mental burnout') went viral because it named a shared feeling of emotional exhaustion—something Gen Z relates to deeply.
So if you're doing business in China, creating content, or just curious about digital culture, learning these buzzwords isn’t optional—it’s essential. They’re not just words; they’re mood rings for the nation’s psyche.