Slang from Reality Shows That Entered Daily Chinese Speech
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you've been scrolling through Chinese social media or chatting with friends in China lately, you might’ve noticed some quirky phrases popping up — like “你太卷了” or “我直接emo了.” These aren’t random. They’re slang born from reality TV shows that have exploded into everyday conversation. As someone who’s been tracking youth language trends for years, I can tell you: reality shows are now the #1 driver of new slang in urban China.
Take Youth With You and Rap of China — these aren’t just entertainment. They’re cultural labs where new expressions are tested and go viral. For example, the phrase “内卷 (nèijuǎn)” — meaning self-defeating overcompetition — was barely used before 2020. But after being thrown around on survival shows to describe trainees working overtime to outshine each other, it became a national buzzword. By 2023, Baidu Index shows monthly searches for “内卷” jumped from 8,000 to over 92,000.
Another big one? 躺平 (tǎngpíng), or 'lying flat.' Though it started as a social critique, it gained momentum when contestants used it to shrug off pressure. Now, it's shorthand for opting out of the grind. According to a 2022 survey by iResearch, 68% of urban millennials have used '躺平' in casual chats — most first heard it on a reality show.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how top slang moved from screen to street:
| Slang Term | Origin Show | Pre-Show Use (Monthly Searches) | Post-Show Peak | Main Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 内卷 (nèijuǎn) | Youth With You S3 | ~8,000 (2019) | 92,500 (2023) | Self-destructive competition |
| emo | Rap of China S4 | ~5,200 (2020) | 78,000 (2022) | Feeling emotionally down |
| 躺平 (tǎngpíng) | The Big Band S2 | ~3,100 (2020) | 65,300 (2021) | Rejecting societal pressure |
| 破防 (pòfáng) | Keep Running S12 | ~6,000 (2021) | 88,200 (2022) | Emotionally overwhelmed |
So why do these phrases stick? Because they’re not just catchy — they name real feelings. When a contestant says “我破防了” after a heartfelt performance, millions at home feel seen. That emotional resonance is what turns a throwaway line into a cultural staple.
And let’s talk about youth language evolution. It used to come from music or underground scenes. Now? Reality TV is the main source. Producers even plant slang intentionally — it boosts engagement. If you're learning Chinese or doing business in China, ignoring this trend means missing the pulse of Gen Z.
Bottom line: if you want to understand modern Chinese culture, start by watching the latest season of any major variety show. The next big word might be one episode away.