The Chinese language evolves daily through social media and generational shifts. In recent years, new slang has emerged while old words have taken on entirely new meanings. For Mandarin learners, keeping up with these changes is a fun and necessary part of connecting with real-world language. When you learn Mandarin online with an online Chinese teacher, being exposed to trending phrases like 内卷 or YYDS helps you move beyond the textbook and into the heart of contemporary Chinese conversation.
The rise of internet slang and evolving vocabulary highlights just how dynamic the Chinese language has become. Keeping up with new expressions like tǎngpíng or YYDS isn’t just entertaining but essential for understanding modern Chinese culture and youth. Some online Chinese teachers, such as those at GoEast Mandarin, partially help students engage with these trending sides of Mandarin. It is important to see that language schools may incorporate such trending words.
Now, below are 10+ new or newly popular Chinese words and expressions that reflect today’s culture!
1. 内卷 (nèijuǎn) – “Involution”
Now used to describe the exhausting, hyper-competitive pressure to overwork without meaningful reward. A symbol of modern burnout.
2. 躺平 (tǎngpíng) – “Lying Flat”
Represents opting out of competitive rat races. It’s a passive, peaceful rejection of societal pressure.
3. 社恐 (shèkǒng) – “Social Anxiety”
Short for 社交恐惧症, now used casually to describe people who feel awkward or drained in social situations.
4. 社牛 (shèniú) – “Social Ox”
The opposite of 社恐—a very outgoing, confident person who dominates every conversation or group activity.
5. 凡尔赛 (Fán’ěrsài) – “Versailles (Humblebrag)”
Describes people who pretend to be modest while actually bragging. Think: “It’s so hard to find a good chef these days for my yacht parties.”
6. YYDS – 永远的神 (yǒngyuǎn de shén)
Literally “eternal god,” used to hype someone or something that’s considered unbeatable or iconic.
7. emo (yī mó)
Borrowed from English, but now used broadly in China to express being down, sensitive, or in a bad mood—like “I’m feeling really emo today.”
8. 打工人 (dǎgōng rén) – “Working Person / Corporate Drone”
Once just a word for “employee,” it’s now used ironically to express the fatigue and helplessness of the 9-to-9 life. Like saying: “Another day, another breakdown.”
9. 尾款人 (wěikuǎn rén) – “Final Payment Person”
Slang for someone who buys impulsively during shopping festivals like Double 11 (Singles’ Day) and ends up regretting it when it’s time to pay the final installment.
10. 精神内耗 (jīngshén nèihào) – “Mental Self-Exhaustion”
A newer term that refers to draining your own energy through constant overthinking, second-guessing, or internal conflict—especially common among anxious urban youth.
11. 逆袭 (nìxí) – “Underdog Comeback”
Once used in military contexts, this term now describes someone who rises against the odds. It’s often used in personal success stories or TV dramas.
12. 工具人 (gōngjù rén) – “Tool Person”
Describes someone who is used only for their usefulness—like a friend who always drives you places or a coworker who does all the hard work but gets no credit.
