8 Most Interesting Chinese Internet Slang

Hey guys! Ever you ever been scrolling through TikTok and seen comments like “YYDS” on a BTS video, and you wondered, What in the world does that even mean? Don’t you worry, you’re not alone! As Chinese slang sneaks its way into our feeds, it’s like decoding secret messages from a global cool kids’ club. 😎 Understanding these phrases isn’t just about sounding funny, it also allows us to share memes and cultural vibes that connect us across oceans. Ready to level up your slang game? Let’s dive into this fun world together! 🚀

Chinese Internet Slang in Pinyin Acronyms

YYDS (永远的神/ Forever a God)

Ever heard someone describe their favorite artist, group, or gamer as “YYDS”? This phrase, short for 永远的神 (Yǒngyuǎn de shén), literally means “forever a god,” and it’s used to express deep admiration for someone who’s truly legendary. Whether it’s a K-pop idol or a top-tier athlete, if they’re the GOAT, they’re YYDS. For example: “That K-pop group is YYDS!” Here, you’re not just saying they’re great; you’re saying they’re untouchable, legendary, and forever a god in your eyes. 🙌

AWSL ( I’m Dead)

And also, we’ve got AWSL (Ài Wǒ Shī Le), which translates to “I’m dead” or “I’m dying” in English. But don’t worry, it’s not as dramatic as it sounds! This one is a fun, over-the-top way to react to something hilarious or shocking. It’s like saying, “That was so funny, I can’t even deal!” The more dramatic, the better. 😂

For example:

“Did you see that dance move? AWSL!” It’s how you express your disbelief or just your absolute amusement at something too good to handle.

XSWL (笑死我了/ I’m Dying of Laughter)

If you’ve spent any time online, especially in Chinese chat rooms or social media, you’ve probably come across “XSWL.” Short for 笑死我了 (Xiào sǐ wǒ le), it literally means “I’m dying of laughter,” but it’s often used in a more exaggerated, playful way to show that something is absolutely hilarious. It’s the perfect response when something makes you laugh so hard that you can’t even!

For example:

• “That meme is too funny, XSWL!” Here, you’re not just saying it’s funny—you’re practically collapsing with laughter. It’s the digital version of clutching your stomach from laughing so hard. 😂

Just like how we might say “LOL” or “ROFL” in English, XSWL is a quick and fun way to let everyone know something cracked you up beyond belief. It’s the go-to expression when you can’t handle the humor any longer.

Whether you’re watching funny videos, reading jokes, or just sharing silly memes with friends, XSWL is there to show how much it made you laugh, and to keep the vibes light and fun.

Chinese Internet Slang in Numbers

666 （Awesome/ Amazing）

Okay, let’s talk about “666” (Liù Liù Liù). This one’s a fan-favorite, especially in gaming circles. It’s like saying “awesome” or “cool,” but with a bit more swagger. If someone does something impressive, especially in a game, you can shout “666!” to show your admiration. Think of it like giving someone a high-five through the internet.

For example:

• “That headshot was insane, 666!” It’s like saying, “You nailed it!” but in a way that makes you sound like a pro. It’s all about that effortless cool. 😎

88 (Bye Bye)

Now, 88 (Bā Bā) might look like just a pair of numbers, but it’s actually a shorthand for “bye-bye.” It’s used as a quick, casual way to say goodbye, especially in online chats or gaming. It’s like sending off a “See you later” with a bit of internet flair. 🖐️

For example:

• “Gotta go, 88!” No need for a long farewell—88 says it all. You’ll spot this in chats, especially when people are just bouncing in and out of conversations.

Chinese Internet Slang in Cultural & Social Phenomena:

These are also the most common Chinese internet slang, for they carry rich cultural content and sound very funny and vivid.

内卷 (Involution)

Ever feel like you’re stuck in an endless cycle of competition with no real results? That’s 内卷 (Nèi juǎn) in a nutshell. It’s about excessive competition, overwork, and the feeling that no matter how hard you try, the outcome is always the same. It’s a vibe that resonates in today’s competitive society, especially in school or work. A typical usage might be: “The pressure to work on weekends is so 内卷!” Basically, you’re saying things are getting out of hand—too much effort, not enough reward. 😓

吃瓜 (Spill the Tea)

What do you do when you’re scrolling through your social feed and you find out some drama is going down? You 吃瓜 (chī guā), which literally means “eating melon,” but is used like “spilling the tea”—watching the gossip unfold while you stay out of it. Example: “I’m just sitting here 吃瓜 while they argue.” You’re just here for the drama, popcorn in hand. 🍿

芭比Q了 (Barbecued)

Sounds like it’s just a typo, right? 芭比Q了 (Bābǐ Q le) might confuse you at first, but once you get it, it’s one of the funniest expressions ever! This quirky phrase means something went terribly wrong—like a total mess. Think of it as saying, “I messed up big time!” For example: “The car broke down on the way to the beach… 芭比Q了!” It’s like your BBQ got burned—everything’s ruined, but at least you can laugh about it. 🍖🔥

Why people Love Chinese Slang?

Let’s talk about why Chinese slang is becoming so popular , especially among young people. The appeal lies in a few key reasons:

1. Humor: Much of Chinese internet slang is witty and playful. Words like “芭比Q了” (Barbecued) and “吃瓜” (Spill the tea) bring a quirky sense of humor to everyday conversations. Who doesn’t love a good laugh while chatting? 😆
2. Identity: For many, using Chinese slang is a way to feel connected to a global community. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese pop culture, K-pop, or just curious about learning the language, these phrases let you blend into internet subcultures and broaden your cultural knowledge.
3. Algorithm Boost: Social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter are all about trends, and when influencers use Chinese slang, it spreads like wildfire. A single post can go viral, bringing these phrases to the forefront of global culture. 🔥

How to Use Chinese Internet Slang Like a Native

Ready to put your newly-learned Chinese slang into practice ? Here’s how to use them in different contexts, so you sound like a native:

1. Social Media
   1. Scenario: You just watched an amazing new movie or game.
   2. Example: “That new movie was so good, YYDS!”
   3. Tip: Use YYDS when you’re genuinely impressed by something or someone legendary.
2. Gaming Chatsa
   1. Scenario: Your team totally messed up in an online game.
   2. Example: “Ugh, our team totally 皮一下 and messed up.”
   3. Tip: Use 皮一下 to playfully call out mistakes and keep the mood lighthearted.
3. Fashion or Style Posts
   1. Scenario: You’re posting a pic of your latest outfit.
   2. Example: “This outfit is totally 芭比Q了 – it looks so good!”
   3. Tip: Use 芭比Q了 to exaggerate how on-point something is, in a fun, over-the-top way.
4. Try Wukong Chinese Programs

Wukong Chinese Course focuses on four major Chinese courses: Enlightenment Chinese, International Chinese, Advanced Chinese, and Basic Chinese, supplemented by specialized courses such as Pinyin, Idioms, and Reading, and I am sure you will find more about Chinese internet slang here.

Deeper Meaning: More Than Just Fun

While Chinese slang might seem like just a trend, there’s actually a deeper cultural vibe to it. These phrases are a way for young people to express frustrations, experiences, and joys in a fun, relatable way. Take 内卷 (involution)—it’s all about the burnout people feel from too much competition and overwork, which isn’t just a Chinese thing. It’s a global struggle, especially for young people juggling school and work.

Also, using Chinese slang shows cultural confidence. It’s a way to embrace a language that’s more than just trendy—it’s a way to connect with people from all walks of life. 🌍

Want to Learn More? Now that you’re armed with some cool Chinese slang, why not take it to the next level? Wukong Education offers live Chinese classes that go beyond the basics and teach you authentic, real-life language. Get ready to speak like a local—join us today and dive into the fun side of Chinese! 😎

Conclusion

Boom! You’re now equipped with some of the quirkiest Chinese slang that will have your friends asking, “What does that mean?” So go ahead, drop these phrases in your posts, and watch your engagement skyrocket! 🚀 Remember, language isn’t just about words—it’s about vibes, laughs, and finding common ground. Got a favorite slang moment? Share your funniest story in the comments below! 👇

Mao Ying | WuKong Chinese Teacher

Master’s degree in International Chinese Education from Peking University. Dedicated to the field of Chinese language education, with 7 years of experience as an international Chinese language teacher.