So, whether you're learning Mandarin, planning to chat with Chinese friends, or just want to decode the wild world of Chinese memes, here’s your starter pack of Chinese internet slang and phrases you must know!

1. 666 (liù liù liù - 六六六) – “Awesome!”

Nope, this has nothing to do with the devil. In Chinese internet lingo, “666” is used to say someone did something impressive or cool. It sounds like "liù liù liù," which rolls off the tongue and kind of sounds like clapping or cheering.

Example:
你操作太帅了，666！
(Your gameplay is amazing, 666!)

2. 233 – LOL

If you’re wondering where this number originated, it originated from a Chinese forum called Mop.com, where emoji #233 was a laughing character rolling on the floor. It stuck.

Usage:
今天的段子笑死我了，233
(That joke killed me, 233)

3. 吃瓜 (chī guā) – “Eating melon” = Being a bystander to drama

If someone says they’re “eating melons,” they’re not hungry. It means they’re sitting back and watching gossip unfold, like enjoying popcorn during a drama.

Example:
我只是个吃瓜群众~
(I’m just a curious bystander~)

4. 撕 (sī) – “To tear apart” = Online drama or catfight

Used when celebs or influencers are feuding, this word means a juicy public argument. It means “tear,” but metaphorically? Total tea.

Example:
她们又撕起来了！
(They’re fighting again!)

5. 表情包 (biǎo qíng bāo) – “Sticker pack” or memes

You can’t survive Chinese group chats without these. Think of them as reaction GIFs, often custom-made with hilarious captions. Entire conversations can happen just with 表情包.

Pro Tip: Save a few popular ones on your phone; you’ll thank us later.

6. 我太难了 (wǒ tài nán le) – “Life is too hard”

This phrase exploded after a viral video of a street cleaner lamenting how hard life is. It’s now used (half-jokingly) when you’re just over it.

Example:
老板又加任务了，我太难了
(My boss gave me more work. Life is too hard.)

7. 内卷 (nèi juǎn) – “Involution”

This one is trendy and deep. It refers to intense, often pointless competition. Like staying at the office late, not because you need to, but because everyone else is doing it.

Example:
现在的职场太卷了
(Workplaces are way too competitive now.)

8. 社死 (shè sǐ) – “Social death”

That moment you embarrass yourself so badly you want to disappear forever? Yeah, that’s 社死.

Example:
我不小心把老板的微信发给了前任，社死！
(I accidentally sent my boss's message to my ex. Social. Death.)

9. 摆烂 (bǎi làn) – “Let it rot”

Sometimes, when you’re tired of trying, you just “摆烂” give up, stop caring, and let it all fall apart. It’s the Chinese version of “meh.”

Example:
考试我都没复习，摆烂了
(I didn’t study for the exam. I’m letting it rot.)

10. 冲鸭 (chōng yā) – “Let’s go!”

A cute way to cheer someone on. “冲” means “charge” and “鸭” is just a fun homophone for “呀” (ya!). So together, it's like "Charge, ducky!" aka "Let’s gooo!"

Example:
明天面试，加油冲鸭！
(You’ve got an interview tomorrow, good luck, let’s gooo!)

Chinese internet slang is constantly evolving, shaped by viral moments, memes, and good old creativity. Learning a few of these phrases not only helps you understand what’s happening online but also lets you connect with Chinese speakers on a whole new level. So next time you're on WeChat or scrolling through Douyin, you'll be laughing with the crowd, not confused by it.