Cultural Code
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The Art of Being ‘Salty’ (Sao) in Chinese Internet Discourse
Discover what 'sao' really means in Chinese internet culture — it's not about salt, it's about style, confidence, and a touch of drama.
2025-10-01
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‘Tan90’ and Beyond: Mapping Emotional Trends in China’s Digital Youth Culture
Explore how 'tan90' reflects deeper emotional currents in China's digital youth culture—from internet slang to mental wellness awareness.
2025-10-01
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Memes as Resistance: How Netizens Bypass Censorship with Visual Humor
Discover how netizens use memes as a form of silent protest to bypass online censorship and express dissent through visual humor.
2025-10-01
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From Rural Reels to City Laughs: Class Dynamics in Kuaishou Content
Explore how Kuaishou highlights class dynamics in China through rural creators and urban viewers, blending authenticity, economy, and cultural perception.
2025-10-01
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Cat-faced Emojis and Dog-Themed Jokes: The Zoological Logic of China’s Meme Culture
Explore how cat-faced emojis and dog-themed jokes reflect social emotions and digital creativity in China's unique meme landscape.
2025-10-01
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The Semiotics of the ‘Buddhist Style’ Meme in Mainland China
Explore the rise of the 'Buddhist Style' meme in China — a sarcastic, low-effort lifestyle trend reflecting youth burnout and digital resistance.
2025-10-01
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Understanding the ‘Waste Material’ (Feizhai) Identity in Online Communities
Explore the meaning and cultural impact of 'feizhai' — the 'waste material' identity embraced by Chinese youth in online communities as a form of self-expression and resistance.
2025-10-01
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How University Students Use Slang to Navigate Academic Pressure Online
Discover how university students use slang to cope with academic stress online, building community and resilience through humor and shared language.
2025-10-01
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The Irony of ‘Positive Energy’: When State Messaging Meets Internet Satire
Explore how Chinese internet users turn the official slogan 'positive energy' into a tool of satire and subtle resistance, blending humor with social commentary in the digital age.
2025-10-01
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From ‘Geili’ to ‘Xiaoxi’: Tracing 15 Years of Chinese Internet Linguistic Innovation
Explore how Chinese internet slang evolved from 'geili' to 'tang ping' over 15 years, reflecting youth culture, social change, and digital creativity in modern China.
2025-09-30
