15 Modern Chinese Slang Words You Need to Know for Social Media

Are you trying to sound cool, young, and on-trend in Mandarin? Whether you're chatting with friends, scrolling through WeChat moments, or posting on Douyin, Chinese slang is the way to go. Learning these modern phrases not only helps you understand your friends’ jokes, but also gives you some serious street cred on Chinese social networks.

Check out these 15 common Chinese slang words that are perfect for social media captions, comments, or just showing off how in the know you are!

1. 666 (liù liù liù) – “Awesome!”

Ever see a string of numbers like 666 in the comments of a viral video? That’s the Chinese way of saying “cool” or “awesome.” The number six sounds like 溜 (liù), which means smooth or skillful, so people type 666 to show respect for something impressive.

• Social Example:
  Someone nails a trick shot or does something amazing? 666!

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "Just smashed that workout!  666"

2. 才不 (Cái bù) – “As if!”

Want to brush off a joke or sarcastic comment? 才不 (cái bù) is the slang way of saying “yeah, right!” or “as if!”

• Social Example:
  Friend: “You must be a pro at this!”
  You: “才不!” (“As if!”)

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "They said I’m organized... 才不 "

3. 小哥哥 / 小姐姐 (xiǎo gēge / xiǎo jiějie) – “Cute Guy / Cute Girl”

Forget "handsome" and "beautiful." On Chinese social media, if someone is looking cute, you can call them 小哥哥 (xiǎo gēge) for a cute guy or 小姐姐 (xiǎo jiějie) for a cute girl. It’s a popular way to compliment someone’s appearance in a youthful, playful manner.

• Social Example:
  "That 小哥哥 at the café was fire today."

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "Hey 小姐姐, looking good! "

4. 笑死我了 (xiào sǐ wǒ le) – “Dying of Laughter”

Just like "LOL" in English, 笑死我了 (xiào sǐ wǒ le) literally means “I’m dying of laughter” and is used in texts, comments, and posts when something is hilariously funny.

• Social Example:
  "That meme? 笑死我了 "

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "When you realize it’s Monday... 笑死我了"

5. 佛系 (fó xì) – “Zen Mode”

佛系 (fó xì) literally translates to "Buddhist-style," but in slang, it means you're super chill, unbothered, and not stressing about anything. It’s like saying "I’m in Zen mode" or "I’m just going with the flow."

• Social Example:
  "I’m 佛系 about the test tomorrow... whatever happens, happens."

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "No plans tonight. Just chilling. 佛系 vibes only."

6. 吃瓜 (chī guā) – “Eating Melon” (Gossiping)

If you’re keeping up with the latest gossip or drama, you’re 吃瓜 (chī guā), which means you’re "eating melon." It’s like saying you’re sitting back, watching the drama unfold, and enjoying the show.

• Social Example:
  "OMG, did you see the news? Grabbing my popcorn... or should I say 吃瓜 "

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "Sipping tea and 吃瓜 while scrolling the feed."

7. 躺平 (tǎng píng) – “Lying Flat”

躺平 (tǎng píng) has become the ultimate expression of doing nothing and just accepting life as it comes. Think of it like "I’m over it" or "I’m done trying."

• Social Example:
  "Work got me 躺平 today... Netflix and chill it is."

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "When you’ve had enough for the day... 躺平 "

8. 撩 (liāo) – “Flirting”

撩 (liāo) is the slang term for flirting or teasing someone in a playful, romantic way. It’s used when you’re trying to get someone’s attention or when someone is giving off flirtatious vibes.

• Social Example:
  "He was totally 撩 me last night! "

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "That look was definitely a 撩 moment."

9. 鸡汤 (jī tāng) – “Chicken Soup” (Inspirational Quotes)

鸡汤 (jī tāng) is used to describe motivational or inspirational content, similar to "self-help" messages or "chicken soup for the soul." You’ll see it used for posts or quotes that give life advice.

• Social Example:
  "Need some 鸡汤 today? Stay strong, keep going! "

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "Today’s 鸡汤: 'You’re stronger than you think.' "

10. 皮 (pí) – “Naughty” or “Mischievous”

When someone is being playful or cheeky, you can describe them as 皮 (pí). It’s like saying someone is being "naughty" but in a fun, harmless way.

• Social Example:
  "He was being so 皮 today, always joking around!"

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "Feeling a little 皮 today... watch out! "

11. 好嗨哦 (hǎo hāi o) – “So Lit!”

If something’s really exciting or high-energy, you can describe it as 好嗨哦 (hǎo hāi o), which means “so lit” or “so hype.” It’s perfect for concerts, parties, or any event where the vibe is strong.

• Social Example:
  "Last night was 好嗨哦! The energy was insane! "

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "That festival? 好嗨哦!"

12. 社会人 (shè huì rén) – “Street-Smart Person”

社会人 (shè huì rén) refers to someone who’s street-smart, savvy, or tough. It’s often used to describe someone who knows how to navigate the real world or handle life’s challenges.

• Social Example:
  "That guy’s a real 社会人... he knows what’s up."

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "You can’t out-hustle a 社会人."

13. 渣男/渣女 (zhā nán / zhā nǚ) – “Player” or “Jerk”

渣男 (zhā nán) and 渣女 (zhā nǚ) are slang terms for a guy or girl who’s a "player," someone who treats others badly in relationships, or who is unreliable. It's commonly used to call out bad behavior in dating.

• Social Example:
  "Can’t believe he ghosted her... 渣男."

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "Dodging 渣男 energy like ."

14. 干饭人 (gàn fàn rén) – “Foodie”

This term literally means "rice eater" but is used to describe people who love to eat. If you’re a foodie who can’t resist good food, this one’s for you.

• Social Example:
  "Heading out with my 干饭人 crew tonight! "

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "Good food + good friends = 干饭人 goals!"

15. 老铁 (lǎo tiě) – “Bro” or “Bestie”

老铁 (lǎo tiě) is slang for “bro” or “bestie.” It’s an affectionate term used to describe a close friend or someone you have a strong bond with, similar to calling someone "bro" or "fam" in English.

• Social Example:
  "Thanks for always having my back, 老铁!"

• Instagram Caption Idea:
  "Shoutout to my 老铁 for always being there. "

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Key Takeaways for Chinese Slang on Social Media

• Using slang like 666, 佛系, and 撩 makes you sound cool, young, and trendy in Mandarin.
• Social slang helps you fit in on platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin, while also giving your posts a fun, modern twist.
• Try these in captions, comments, or chats to connect with native speakers and impress your friends.

By incorporating these Chinese slang words into your daily life and social media, you’ll sound like a true Mandarin pro