Trending Chinese Internet Slang on Weibo and WeChat
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you've scrolled through Weibo or WeChat Moments lately, you’ve probably seen phrases like “绝绝子” or “YYDS” popping up everywhere. These aren’t typos — they’re the heartbeat of modern Chinese internet culture. In this guide, we’ll break down the hottest slang sweeping China’s digital scene, explain what they mean, and show you how to use them like a native netizen.
Why Chinese Internet Slang Matters
With over 1.05 billion internet users in China (CNNIC, 2023), online expression evolves fast. Platforms like Weibo and WeChat are breeding grounds for linguistic creativity. Slang isn’t just fun — it builds community, conveys emotion, and even influences marketing.
Top 5 Trending Chinese Internet Slang Terms (2024)
| Slang | Literal Meaning | Actual Use | Popularity Index* |
|---|---|---|---|
| YYDS | Forever God | Praising someone/something as the best | 9.8/10 |
| 绝绝子 (jué jué zǐ) | Amazing-son | Over-the-top excitement (“That cake?绝绝子!”) | 9.5/10 |
| 内卷 (nèi juǎn) | Involution | Excessive competition (work, school, life) | 9.0/10 |
| 摆烂 (bǎi làn) | Let it rot | Choosing not to try (“I’m so tired, I’m摆烂”) | 8.7/10 |
| 社死 (shè sǐ) | Social death | Extreme embarrassment (“Tripped in public — 社死！”) | 8.5/10 |
*Based on Weibo post volume and Baidu Index (Q1 2024)
How to Use These Phrases Like a Pro
- YYDS: Drop it after anything impressive. “Zhongli from Genshin? YYDS!”
- 绝绝子: Best for food or aesthetic praise. “This bubble tea is 绝绝子!”
- 内卷: Use when complaining about stress. “Working 12-hour days? That’s 内卷.”
- 摆烂: A Gen-Z anthem. “Exams next week? I’m fully 摆烂.”
- 社死: When your face turns red. “Said hi to a stranger thinking it was my boss — complete 社死.”
The Culture Behind the Slang
These terms reflect real social dynamics. 内卷 and 摆烂 emerged from youth burnout. Using humor to cope with pressure is key. Meanwhile, YYDS and 绝绝子 show how fans express devotion in playful ways — think K-pop stans going wild.
Pro Tip: Stay Updated
Slang changes fast. Follow hashtags like #网络用语# (internet slang) on Weibo or join WeChat groups focused on pop culture. Tools like Weibo Search can help track trending phrases weekly.
So next time you’re chatting with Chinese friends or scrolling through feeds, drop a “YYDS” or laugh off a “社死” moment. You’ll sound way more natural — and maybe even trend a little yourself.