Table 1 The annual list of Top-Ten Network Buzzwords published by Yaowen Jiaozi from 2012 to 2021.

2012

接地气 (jie diqi) - “touch the ground atmosphere” or “down-to-earth”

X风格 (X style) - “X style” (note that this term doesn’t have a direct translation)

正能量 (zheng nengliang) - “positive energy”

屌丝 (diaosi) - “penis thread” (a slang term used to describe someone who is a loser or a plebeian)

最美 (zuimei) - “the most beautiful”

赞 (zan) - “praise” or “thumbs up”

舌尖上 (she jianshang) - “on the tip of the tongue” (referring to a popular Chinese documentary called “A Bite of China”)

压力山大 (ya li shan da) - “mountainous pressure” (originating from a homonym of Alexander)

躺着也中枪 (tangzhe ye zhongqiang) - “getting shot while lying down”

中国式 (zhongguo shi) - “Chinese style”

高富帅 (gao fu shuai) - “tall, rich, and handsome”

白富美 (bai fu mei) - “fair-skinned, rich, and beautiful”

土肥圆 (tu fei yuan) - “earthy, chubby, and round” (used to describe someone who is fat and unfashionably dressed)

2013

奇葩 (qipa) - “strange flower” (used to describe something or someone bizarre, eccentric, or weird)

杀马特 (sha ma te) - “kill horse special” (originating from the word “smart”, this term refers to people who think themselves fashionable but are considered stupid by others)

文艺青年 (wenyi qingnian) - “literary and artistic youth”

2B青年 (2B qingnian) - “2B youth” (a slang term used to describe someone who is stupid or foolish)

中国梦 (zhongguo meng) - “Chinese dream”

中国大妈 (zhongguo dama) - “Chinese auntie” (originated from the mockery of American media towards middle-aged Chinese women who have been buying large amounts of gold, causing fluctuations in the world gold price)

大V (da V) - “big V” (referring to an Internet celebrity or verified account on social media platforms)

光盘 (guang pan) - “clean plate” (referring to the Chinese government’s campaign to reduce food waste)

绿茶婊 (lücha biao) - “green tea bitch” (used to describe a woman who is manipulative or fake, especially in social situations)

点赞 (dianzan) - “like” or “thumbs up”

逆袭 (nixi) - “counterattack” (used to describe a successful outcome that was unexpected or should have been a failure)

土豪 (tuhao) - “earthy rich” (referring to a person with a lot of money, especially a nouveau riche)

女汉子 (nü hanzi) - “female man” (used to describe a girl or woman who has masculine traits or behaviour)

你为何放弃治疗 (ni wei he fang qi zhi liao) - “Why did you give up treatment?” (used ironically to imply that someone’s behaviour or actions are irrational or unreasonable, similar to calling them sick, crazy, or insane)

人艰不拆 (ren jian bu chai) - “Life is hard, don’t make it harder” (used to suggest that in difficult situations, it’s better to keep things simple and not overcomplicate matters)

摊上大事了 (tan shang da shi le) - “Got into a big mess” or “in trouble” (used to describe a situation where someone is facing serious problems or difficulties)

2014

我读书少,你可别骗我 (wo dushu shao, ni ke bie pian wo) - “I have read few books, don’t deceive me” (used as a humorous way to express that one does not have much knowledge or experience and should not be taken advantage of)

也是蛮拼的 (yeshi man pin de) - “also quite hardworking” (used to describe someone who is working extremely hard)

整个人都不好了 (zhenggeren dou buhao le) - “the entire person is not good” (used to describe someone who is not in a good state physically, emotionally, or mentally)

买买买 (mai mai mai) - “buy, buy, buy” (used to express enthusiasm for shopping or consumerism)

萌萌哒 (mengmeng da) - “so adorable” or “so cute” (used to describe someone or something that is cute or endearing)

小鲜肉 (xiao xianrou) - “little fresh meat” (used to describe handsome young boys, often in the entertainment industry)

也是醉了 (yeshi zuile) - “also drunk” (used as a mild expression of frustration, depression, or silence, similar to “I don’t know what to say” or “I give up”)

保证不打死你 (bao zheng bu da si ni) - “I guarantee not to beat you to death” (used to imply that the speaker wants to threaten someone, but not to the point of causing serious harm)

有钱就是任性 (you qian jiu shi ren xing) - “With money, one can be wilful” or “Money can buy anything” (used to suggest that wealth can give someone the power to do what they want, regardless of consequences or social norms)

2015

我想静静 (wo xiang jingjing) - “I want to be quiet” or “leave me alone” (used to express a desire for solitude or to be left alone)

获得感 (huo de gan) - “sense of achievement” or “feeling of accomplishment” (used to describe the satisfaction or fulfilment that comes from achieving a goal or completing a task)

吓死宝宝了 (xiasi baobao le) - “scared me to death, baby” (used to express being startled or frightened)

网红 (wanghong) - “Internet celebrity” (used to describe someone who has gained fame or popularity through the wanghong)

互联网+ (hulianwang +) - “Internet plus” (a term coined by the Chinese government to describe the integration of the hulianwang and traditional industries)

世界那么大, 我想去看看 (shijie name da, wo xiang qu kankan) - “the world is big, I want to go and take a look” (used to express a desire to travel and explore the world)

小公举 (xiao gongju) - “little princess” (used as a cutesy way of referring to a little princess with a sweet and affectionate tone. It later developed into a term that netizens used to refer to particular males. The biggest characteristic of these males is that they possess a “girl’s heart” and exhibit some girlish behaviours)

剁手党 (duoshou dang) - “chop hands party” (a slang term used to describe people who are addicted to online shopping and spend a lot of money)

颜值 (yanzhi) - “face value” or “index of beauty” (used to describe someone’s physical attractiveness)

任性 (ren xing) - “wilful” or “capricious” (used to describe someone who acts according to their own wishes or desires)

宝宝 (baobao) - “baby” or “babe” (used as a term of endearment)

傻白甜 (shabaitian) - “silly, white, and sweet” (used to describe a woman who is beautiful but perceived as naive or stupid)

创客 (chuangke) - “maker” or “creator” (originally from the term “Maker Space”, used to describe someone who creates or makes things, often in a DIY or amateur context)

Duang (only in alphabetical form) - “Refers to an action effect, imitation of a special effect dubbing” (originally created through a viral video featuring martial arts star Jackie Chan. Chan produced a noise that sounded like “duang” while performing a voiceover for a commercial in the video. The sound gained popularity online and was applied to videos or memes to underline a moment of impact.)

Wuli (only in alphabetical form) – “Our” (used as a pronoun for reference to a community or a collection of people, showing a sense of solidarity or unity. The phrase is frequently spoken in a lighthearted or self-deprecating manner to make fun of oneself or to convey a feeling of kinship with those who have similar interests or abilities.)

2016

蓝瘦香菇 (lanshou xiangku) - “blue, thin, fragrant mushroom” (a phrase used to express feeling awful or in a bad state)

我的天 (OMG) - “my heavens” or “Oh My God” (used to express surprise or shock)

洪荒之力 (honghuang zhi li) - “prehistorical power” (used to describe an immense or extraordinary amount of strength or power)

套路 (taolu) - “routine” or “trap” (used to describe a predictable or formulaic approach, or a trap or scheme designed to deceive someone)

老司机 (lao siji) - “experienced driver” (used to describe someone who is experienced or knowledgeable in a particular field or activity, often in a humorous or ironic way)

吃瓜群众 (chigua qunzhong) - “melon-eating masses” or “onlookers” (used to describe bystanders or spectators who are observing a situation without actively participating)

工匠精神 (gongjiang jingshen) - “craftsman spirit” (used to describe the dedication, attention to detail, and pride in workmanship that is characteristic of a skilled craftsman)

小目标 (xiao mubiao) - “small target” (originally from a Chinese billionaire who suggested that young people should set small financial goals, such as earning 100 million Yuan)

狗带 (gou dai) - “dog belt” (a slang term used to express frustration or disappointment, similar to “go to hell” or “screwed over”)

供给侧 (gongjice) - “supply-side” (used to describe economic policies aimed at increasing the supply of goods and services, often through measures such as deregulation and tax cuts)

撩 (liao) - “Flirt” (often used to describe flirting or teasing behaviour that is used to attract someone’s attention or to show interest in them in a playful or provocative way)

葛优躺 (ge you tang) - “Ge You lying down” (refers to a scene in a Chinese movie where actor Ge You is seen lying down and taking a nap in a very casual and relaxed manner. The term is now used to represent the decadent life of many modern people who are seen as lazy, unproductive, or lacking motivation)

辣眼睛 (la yan jing) - “Spicy to the eyes” or “Eye-popping” (often used to describe something that is visually unpleasant or offensive, or something that is too bright, garish, or flashy for the eyes)

2017

打 call (da call) - “hit the call” or “speak up in support of somebody/something” (used to express support or encouragement for someone or something)

老哥 (laoge) - “old brother”

不忘初心 (bu wang chuxin) - “never forget why you started” (used to encourage someone to stay true to their original intentions or goals)

扎心了, 老铁 (zhaxin le laotie) - “my heart is broken, bro” (used to express being deeply hurt or affected by something)

怼 (dui) - “to diss” or “to argue with” (used to describe a confrontational or argumentative interaction)

砥砺奋进 (dili fenjin) - “forge ahead” or “keep pushing forward” (used to encourage someone to persevere and make progress)

尬 (ga) - “awkward” or “cringe” (used to describe an uncomfortable or embarrassing situation or interaction)

共享 (gongxiang) - “shared” or “sharing” (used to describe a sharing economy or sharing culture)

油腻 (youni) - greasy (used to describe a person who is cheesy)

有温度 (you wendu) - “has warmth” or “heartwarming” (used to describe something that is emotionally touching or sincere)

流量 (liuliang) - “flow rate” or “traffic” (used to describe liuliang traffic or the number of views or clicks on a website or social media platform)

贫穷限制了我的想象 (pinqiong xianzhi le wo de xiangxiang) - “poverty limits my imagination” (used to express the idea that poverty can limit one’s opportunities and creative potential)

你尽管XX, XX了算我输! (ni jin guan XX, XX le suan wo shu) - “You can XX all you want, if you end up XXing, then I’ll admit defeat!” (used to express confidence that the other person won’t be able to do something)

尬聊 (galiao) - “Awkward chat” (refers to a conversation that is forced, uncomfortable, or lacking in chemistry, often used in a humorous or self-deprecating way to acknowledge a social situation that is uncomfortable or difficult)

请开始你的表演 (qing kaishi nide biaoyan) - “Please begin your performance” (often used in a sarcastic or critical way to suggest that someone is being insincere or putting on a show, or to challenge someone to prove themselves)

2018

杠精 (gangjing) - “pole expert” or “devil’s advocate” (used to describe someone who likes to argue or debate, often taking the opposite side)

安排 (anpai) - “arrange” or “plan” (used to describe making plans or arrangements)

凉凉 (liangliang) - “cool, cool” (used to describe feeling desperate or in a bad state)

命运共同体 (mingyun gongtongti) - “community of shared destiny” or “community of shared future” (used to describe the idea of a collective destiny or fate)

巨婴 (juying) - “giant baby” or “man-child” (used to describe a person who is an adult but acts immaturely or childishly)

锦鲤 (jinli) - “golden carp” or “lucky dog” (used to describe someone who is lucky or fortunate)

真香 (zhenxiang) - “so fragrant” or “so delicious” (used to describe something that is really good or enjoyable)

佛系 (foxi) - “Buddha-like” or “peaceful” (used to describe a relaxed or laid-back attitude towards life)

小哥哥 (xiao gege) - “little big brother” (used as a term of address for a young man or boy)

小姐姐 (xiao jiejie) - “little big sister” (used as a term of address for a young woman or girl)

店小二 (dian xiaoer) - “shop little second” or “shop owner’s assistant” (used to describe an employee who works in a small shop or restaurant)

C位 (C wei) - “C position” or “central position” (used to describe someone who plays a central role or occupies a prominent position)

土味情话 (tuwei qinghua) - “rustic love words” or “cheesy love lines” (used to describe sentimental or clichéd expressions of love)

官宣 (guanxuan) - “official announcement” (used to describe an official statement or announcement, often from a company or organisation)

菊外人 (juwairen) - “Chrysanthemum outsiders” (refers to people who do not know who Wang Ju is or have not watched the talent show Creation 101, but have been bombarded with messages about voting for Wang Ju. The term “ju” (菊) is a homophone for “vote” (举), and the term “outsider” (外人) is used to describe someone who is not part of a particular group or community.)

skr (only in alphabetical form) - “The sound of spinning car tires” (often used to describe the sound made by car tires when spinning rapidly, especially in the context of car racing or drifting. The phrase has also been used to refer to an energising or powerful mood in music and popular culture.)

2019

霸凌主义 (baling zhuyi) - “bullying hegemony” or “hegemony” (used to describe a dominant power that exercises control or influence over others)

雨女无瓜 (yünü wugua) - “rain woman, no melon” or “none of your business” (used to dismiss someone’s concern or involvement in a matter)

文明互鉴 (wenming hujian) - “mutual learning among civilisations” (used to describe the exchange and sharing of cultural values and practices between different civilisations)

14亿护旗手 (14 yi huqishou) - “1.4 billion flag-escort” (used to describe the Chinese people as guardians of the nation’s flag and symbols)

区块链 (qükuai lian) - “blockchain” (used to describe a decentralised digital ledger technology)

我酸了 (wo suan le) - “I’m sour” or “I’m jealous” (used to express feeling envious or jealous)

我太难/南了 (wo tai nan le) - “my life is too hard” or “my life is too sour” (used to express feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with life)

硬核 (yinghe) - “hardcore” (used to describe something that is intense, extreme, or uncompromising)

996 (996) - “996” (used to describe the overtime work culture of Chinese tech companies, in which employees work from 9am to 9 pm, six days a week)

柠檬精 (ningmeng jing) - “lemon spirit” or “someone who likes to envy others” (used to describe someone who enjoys seeing others fail or who is envious of others)

断舍离 (duan she li) - “cut off, give away, and abandon” (used to describe decluttering and simplifying one’s life by getting rid of unnecessary possessions and attachments)

令人头秃 (lingren toutu) - “Makes one’s head bald” (used to describe a situation or problem that is so frustrating, stressful, or anxiety-inducing that it causes hair loss or baldness. In place of the original idiom, the expression “rat’s tail juice” is hilariously used and has gained popularity online in China.)

是个狠人 (shige henren) - “Is a tough person” (used to define a person who is knowledgeable, skilful, or experienced in a certain subject or profession or a person who is hard, cunning, or unyielding in their behaviour)

盘它 (panta) - “Tease it” (used to express playing a practical joke on someone or fooling them. The phrase can also be used more generally to refer to the process of controlling a circumstance.)

2020

凡尔赛文学 (fanersai wenxue) - “Versailles literature” (used to describe literature that is ostentatious, pretentious, or showy)

人民至上 (renmin zhishang) - “people first” or “putting the people first” (used to prioritise the needs and interests of the people)

集美 (jimei) - “gathered beauty” (used to describe a group of women who are attractive or stylish)

内卷 (neijuan) - “inward fold” or “involution” (used to describe a phenomenon in which competition and pressure become so intense that individuals become trapped in a self-destructive cycle of overwork and overconsumption)

逆行者 (nixing zhe) - “reverse walker” or “retrograde” (used to describe someone who goes against the norm or defies expectations)

打工人 (dagong ren) - “worker” or “labourer who work diligently” (used to describe someone who works hard to make a living)

后浪 (houlang) - “rear wave” or “young generation” (used to describe the younger generation that follows behind the older generation)

抗疫 (kangyi) - “anti-pandemic” or “fighting against the pandemic” (used to describe measures and actions taken to combat and control a pandemic)

双循环 (shuang xunhuan) - “double cycle” (used to describe an economic policy that emphasises both domestic and international circulation of goods and capital)

飒 (sa) - “valiant” or “brave” (used to describe someone who is bold and courageous)

直播带货 (zhibo daihuo) - “live-streaming sales” or “sell goods through live-streaming” (used to describe a marketing strategy that uses live-streaming technology to promote and sell products)

神兽 (shenshou) - “mythical animal” or “naughty child” (used to describe someone who is mischievous or playful)

耗子尾汁 (hao zi wei zhi) - “Rat’s tail juice” (a homophonic popular phrase of the idiom “好自为之” (hao zi wei zhi), which means “good for oneself” or “do what is best for oneself”. In place of the original idiom, the expression “rat’s tail juice” is hilariously used and has gained popularity online in China.)

2021

元宇宙 (yuan yuzhou) - “element universe” or “metaverse” (used to describe a virtual world where users can interact with each other and digital objects)

强国有我 (qiangguo you wo) - “we are ready to make China strong” (used to express a sense of patriotism and commitment to building a strong and prosperous China)

躺平 (tangping) - “lying flat” or “an attitude of inaction and lack of effort” (used to describe a phenomenon where young people reject the pressure to conform to societal expectations and instead choose to live a simple and relaxed life)

永远的神 (YYDS) - “eternal god” or “someone who is marvellous” (used as a compliment to someone who is talented or skilled)

小康 (xiaokang) - “moderately prosperous society” (used to describe a stage of economic development where people’s basic needs are met and they enjoy a comfortable standard of living)

鸡娃 (jiwa) - “chicken baby” or “overloaded kids” (used to describe children who are under immense pressure to excel academically and in extracurricular activities)

破防 (pofang) - “break the defence” or “break down the defences” (used to describe a situation where someone manages to overcome obstacles or barriers)

野性消费 (yexing xiaofei) - “wild consumption” or “crazy consumption” (used to describe excessive or impulsive spending on luxury goods and experiences)

碳中和 (tan zhonghe) - “carbon neutrality” (used to describe a state where carbon emissions are balanced out by carbon removal or reductions in emissions)

绝绝子 (jue jue zi) is a Chinese slang term that can have two opposite meanings, depending on the context: Very good – When used in a positive context, 绝绝子 can mean “excellent”, “awesome”, or “amazing”. For instance, someone might remark, “This singer is singing very well”, which is written as “这个歌手唱歌很好听” (zhege geshou changge hen haoting); Very horrible – When used negatively, the word can be translated as “awful” or “very bad”. For example, someone might say “这酒店的服务绝绝子” (zhe jia jiudian de fuwu jue jue zi), which translates to “The service at this hotel is very awful”.