A humorous internet term referring to posting cat pictures as a 'fee' for sharing other content.
Example:
Here's my story about the weekend, and of course, the cat tax: [picture of a cat].
Your guide to understanding Chinese internet slang and meme culture
A humorous internet term referring to posting cat pictures as a 'fee' for sharing other content.
Here's my story about the weekend, and of course, the cat tax: [picture of a cat].
Feeling down or depressed, often used humorously or sarcastically.
I lost my favorite pen today, so emo right now.
Represents uncontrollable laughter. Similar to "LOL" or "Haha" but exaggerated.
That joke was so silly, hhhh!
"Awesome" or "Impressive." Short for the Chinese slang "牛逼," which praises someone's excellence.
You solved that puzzle in no time? nb!
"Idiot" or "Fool." Short for the Chinese slang "傻逼," often used to tease or insult.
He forgot his own birthday? What an sb moment!
Equivalent to "LOL" or "LMAO." Expresses extreme amusement.
That cat video was so funny, xswl!
GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Used to praise someone or something as the best.
Lionel Messi is yyds — no one can match his skills.
"I'm dead" or "So cute I could die." Often used to express being overwhelmed by cuteness or emotions.
Look at that baby panda! awsl!
Rat race or over-competition. Describes people pushing themselves unnecessarily hard in a competitive way.
This industry is so 内卷, everyone is working overtime for no reason.
"Let it rot" or "I don't care anymore." Expresses a sense of giving up or intentional slacking.
I failed my last two exams, so I'm just 摆烂 now.
"Life sucks" or "Not worth it." Reflects a pessimistic or humorous take on life.
It's raining, and I forgot my umbrella again. 人间不值得.
GTFO (Get the f**k out) or Scram. Used humorously to tell someone to leave.
You're always teasing me. 爬！
Mind-blowing or Epic. Used to describe something exceptionally impressive.
That concert last night was absolutely 炸裂!
Nostalgia for one's youth. Expresses fond memories of the past or classic moments returning.
Seeing that old TV show being remade gives me major 爷青回.
Doormat or Helper bot. Refers to someone being used or exploited for help.
He's always helping her with homework. Total 工具人.
Double standards. Refers to hypocrisy or treating similar situations differently.
She tells me to save money but keeps shopping. 双标 much?
Spokesperson or someone who speaks your mind.
She said exactly what I was thinking. She's my 嘴替!
"Feels like the good old days" or "Throwback vibes."
That song took me back to my teenage years. 梦回.
"Slapped but loving it" or "Surprisingly good." Usually used when someone reluctantly admits they like something.
I didn't want to try sushi, but now I can't stop eating it. 真香!
"My blood pressure is rising" or "I'm so pissed." Often used to describe frustration or anger.
This traffic jam is making me crazy. 血压上来了!
"Details on point" or "Maxed out on details." Describes something well-designed or highly detailed.
The special effects in that movie were amazing. 细节拉满!
"Discipline brings freedom." A motivational phrase encouraging self-discipline.
I wake up at 5 AM every day to study. 自律给我自由!
"Stop roasting me" or "Stop dragging me." Used humorously when feeling attacked in a conversation.
OK, I made a mistake, 别骂了别骂了!
"Instant reply" or "Quick response." Refers to someone responding immediately in a chat.
Wow, you 秒回 me? Are you waiting for my message?
Contrarian or Debate troll. Describes someone who always argues for the sake of it.
Why do you argue with everything I say? Total 杠精!
"Emotionally wrecked" or "Completely broken." Describes being mentally or emotionally overwhelmed.
That sad movie ending really 破大防了.
"Gaming burnout" or "Game fatigue." Describes losing interest in gaming.
I've been playing the same game for weeks, and now I feel 电子阳痿.
"Sad playlist mood" or "Melancholic vibes." Refers to listening to sad songs, often on streaming apps.
I'm feeling down, so I'm going full 网抑云 tonight.
"I'm doomed" or "It's over." Expresses a sense of hopelessness.
I didn't study for the test tomorrow. 寄了.
"Mark my words" or "First to comment." Originally a typo but now a meme.
This post is going viral. 火钳刘明!
"King of panic" or "Worrier." Refers to someone overly anxious.
Stop stressing out about everything. 急急国王!
"I'm falling apart" or "I'm breaking down." Describes emotional or humorous exasperation.
That plot twist was so bad, 我裂开了.
"Pass the buck" or "Shift the blame." Describes avoiding responsibility.
Don't try to blame me for your mistake. Stop 甩锅!
"Gotta have it" or "Obsessed with it." Describes being passionate about something.
That new gadget looks amazing. I need to 盘它.
"Social anxiety" or "Introvert." Refers to feeling anxious in social situations.
I hate big parties; my 社恐 makes it so stressful.
"Foodie" or "Big eater." Refers to someone passionate about eating or enjoys food.
Lunchtime is my favorite part of the day. 干饭人 is ready!
"Mental breakdown" or "Triggered." Describes an emotional reaction or breakdown.
That heartfelt letter really 破防了.
"I'm feeling emo" or "Depressed." A casual way to express low spirits.
After losing the game, I just sat there thinking, emo了.
"Social death." Describes an embarrassing or awkward moment that's hard to recover from socially.
I accidentally called my boss 'Mom' during a meeting. 社会性死亡!
"Wow" or "What a move!" Used to express surprise or sarcastic amazement.
He ate 50 dumplings in one sitting. 好家伙!
"Daring idea" or "Bold imagination." Used to describe outlandish or unrealistic thoughts.
He said he wants to climb Mount Everest next year. 真敢想!
"OMG" or "WTF." A shorthand exclamation expressing shock or disbelief.
You spent $500 on a jacket? 焯!
"Speechless" or "No words." Used when something is too absurd to comment on.
He forgot his own birthday. 无语子.
"One more time (a billion times)." Refers to an irresistible song or video you want to replay.
This song is so catchy. 再来亿遍!
"Helper bot awakening." Refers to someone realizing they're being used and refusing to help.
He asked me to write his report again, but 工具人觉醒, I said no!
"Step aside quickly." Used humorously to dismiss someone.
You're always messing things up. 速速退下!
"Laughing so much I can't survive." Used to express extreme amusement.
That meme about cats? 笑不活了!
"Triple combo." Refers to liking, commenting, and sharing a post.
This video is amazing. Support with a 三连!
"High-spirited young man." Refers to someone with an over-the-top style and enthusiasm.
Look at his shiny outfit! Totally a 精神小伙.
"That's just how I am." Used humorously or sarcastically to express confidence or acceptance of one's actions.
I eat ice cream in winter. 爷就是这样.
"Completely speechless." An exaggerated way to express being dumbfounded or stunned.
He showed up two hours late without an excuse. 一整个大无语住了.
"King of emotional breakdowns." Refers to someone who easily gets triggered or emotionally overwhelmed.
Every little thing makes him cry. What a 破防王!
"Carry me" or "Teach me." Often used to ask for guidance or mentorship.
You're so good at coding. 带带我!
"Emotionless" or "No reaction." Describes feeling indifferent or unfazed.
After watching the jump scare, I felt 内心毫无波动.
"Make a scene" or "Create hype." Refers to coming up with something creative or funny.
That influencer always 整活 with new ideas.
"From GOAT to Nope." Used to describe something that went from great to disappointing.
That sequel made the franchise go from YYDS to DDR.
"Slack off" or "Coast along." Refers to doing the bare minimum, especially at work or school.
He's just 划水 during meetings and contributing nothing.
"Humblebrag." Refers to people subtly showing off in a self-deprecating or casual manner.
She said her new diamond ring is 'too shiny to wear every day.' Total 凡尔赛.
"Exciting" or "Thrilling." Describes something highly enjoyable or engaging.
This new action movie is so 带感!
"Liking equals supporting." Encourages engagement with online content as a show of support.
If you like this post, give it a thumbs up. 点赞等于支持!
"Laughing to death with no compensation." Used to describe something hilariously funny.
That comedy show last night? 笑死不偿命!
"Reemployment." Humorously used when someone returns to a role or activity they had previously left.
That retired teacher is now a tutor. 再就业了!
"Trisolaran interference." Used humorously to explain strange or unexplained phenomena, referencing the sci-fi novel *The Three-Body Problem*.
The internet is so slow today; must be 三体人干涉.
"Just chill" or "Do as you like." Describes taking a relaxed or carefree attitude.
Work is too stressful. I'm just going to 开摆 and take it easy.
"Helper cat." Refers to someone (or something) doing all the hard work for others.
You're always helping them solve problems. You're such a 工具猫!
"Heartbreaking" or "Emotional damage." Describes something that causes an emotional blow.
That scene in the drama where they said goodbye really 刀了.
"As expected from you." Used to praise or express admiration for someone's consistent traits.
You aced another exam? 不愧是你!
"It's complicated." Used to describe situations that are difficult to explain or summarize.
Why did you break up? 一言难尽.
"Even tough guys cry." Used to describe an emotional moment that moves everyone.
The ending of that movie made even the strongest person go 猛男落泪.
"Versailles studies." Refers to the art of humblebragging or analyzing humblebragging behavior.
She said she doesn't like her sports car because it's too flashy. Classic 凡学.
"Spiritual sustenance." Describes finding energy or comfort through small pleasures.
A cup of coffee in the morning is my 精神续命.
"Social death moment." Refers to an embarrassing or awkward moment witnessed by others.
I accidentally sent the wrong message to my boss. Total 社死现场.
"My mom would hit me." Used humorously to describe something outrageous or absurd.
I spent my whole paycheck on gadgets. 妈见打!
"Earning karma." Describes doing good deeds or tolerating something for moral reasons.
I helped my neighbor carry groceries today. 修福报!
"Defy destiny." Describes striving to change an undesirable outcome against all odds.
He worked three jobs to pay for college. 真正的逆天改命.
"Fan wars." Refers to intense conflicts between fandoms, often online.
Two pop idol groups just released new albums, and the 饭圈战争 has begun.
"Dying on the spot." Used humorously to express shock, embarrassment, or overwhelming emotions.
I accidentally called my teacher 'Mom' in class. 原地去世.
"Think about it carefully." Invites others to reflect or notice subtleties in a situation.
He always takes a 'coffee break' during meetings. 你品，你细品.
"All roads lead to Tieling." A humorous way to describe the inevitability of certain things.
No matter where I go, I end up meeting someone from my hometown. 宇宙的尽头是铁岭.
"Freeloading." Refers to enjoying something without contributing or paying.
I've been watching that streamer for hours but never donated. Totally 白嫖.
"Addictive" or "Hooked." Describes being overly obsessed or emotionally attached to something.
This new drama is so 上头, I can't stop watching!
"Chinese entertainment has fallen." A phrase expressing disappointment in the entertainment industry.
Another talent show scandal? 内娱拉了.
"Working-class hero." Refers to the struggles and resilience of the everyday worker.
It's Monday again. Keep going, 打工人!
"Laughing to death with no liability." Used to describe something extremely funny.
That skit about office life? 笑死不赔钱!