Mandarin Slang Guide

I saw most of this on Twitter from @chenchenzh so go follow her! This is the Sixth Tone article I mentioned: https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1007589/tired-of-running-in-place%2C-young-chinese-lie-down And the 知乎 Zhihu post I mentioned: https://www.zhihu.com/question/60293871 And a seminal post about 躺平: https://tieba.baidu.com/p/7337991441 1. 躺平 (tǎng píng) Literally “lie flat,” it means to ignore society’s demands and lead a peaceful, quiet, non-overachieving life. Opposite of 内卷，or the culture of forced overachievement. 2. 躺平族 (tǎng píng zú) The lie-flat clan! 3. 躺平教 (tǎng píng jiào) The religion of lying flat! 4. 低欲望 (dī yùwàng) “Low desire.” It’s a core tenant of flat-lying. After all, desire is the root of suffering! Got questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook groups! WeChat: msgpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msgpodcast Twitter: @msgmandarin WeiBo: 这好像是个树华吧 MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese le...

To learn more about Mind China, search for the "心生 Mind" WeChat Public Account! Listen to The Waves 海浪FM:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/pb3i6-15b353/%E6%B5%B7%E6%B5%AAFM-Podcast Follow Ivy on Douban:https://www.douban.com/people/181463412/ 1. 神经病 (shénjīngbìng) Literally means “a neurological disorder,” but is often used as a serious or playful insult a la “crazy.” Very common but also somewhat insensitive. Why not replace it with something else, like, for example: 2. 勺子 (sháozi) Literally “spoon,” it’s an insult from NE China that could be offensive to spoons, but fortunately I don’t think the spoons mind too much. 3. 社恐、自闭 (shè kǒng、zì bì) Literally “social anxiety” and “autism,” these are both commonly used to describe yourself when you feel like staying in and not being social. Both are clearly problematic, so why not swap them for: 4. 我想静静 (wǒ xiǎng jìng jìng) A cutesy way to say “I just want some peace and quiet.” Also a pun...

1. 卖国贼(màiguózéi) “Country-selling thief,”someone who sells out their country. Can be used for someone from any country. 2. 汉奸(hànjiān) “Chinese traitor”, or, literally, “Han traitor,”where Han is the dominant ethnic group of China. Honestly I don’t think it’s particularly healthy to have a special word just for people branded as traitors to your country - or ethnicity - but I suppose I do have a limited, outsider’s perspective to the language. Got questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook groups! WeChat: msgpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msgpodcast Twitter: @msgmandarin WeiBo: 这好像是个树华吧 MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you. Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Thanks. I love you, no matter what Thomassays.

Listen to Anita’s podcast, 井号键 here or on your podcast app: https://gravetalk.typlog.io/ Visit Anita’s website: https://anitaxu.com/home/en/ 1. 死(adv)(sǐ) “Very,”“extremely,”“--to death” 2. 社会性死亡(shèhuì xìng sǐwáng) A “society death,”or, a situation so embarrassing that one may wish for death 3. 人老心不老(rén lǎo xīn bùlǎo) “Person old, heart not old,”to be young at heart 4. 死鬼(sǐguǐ) Literally “dead ghost,”a pet name between lovers. Thank goodness Anita told me what this means... otherwise, if I had a girlfriend and she called me 死鬼 in public I would probably experience a 社会性死亡 5. 翘辫子(qiàobiànzi) Literally, “lift the queue/ponytail”， meaning “die” In the Qing Dynasty, many Chinese were required to wear their hair in a queue that had to be lifted in order for a beheading to happen. 6. 卒(zú) An ancient word for “death”in a military context. Now used to mean “dead”in a comical way, you know, for hyperbole. Got questions? Wa...

Find Hunter on Twitter: @hualun14 Listen to his pod, 翻转体育 Sports Inverted, here or on your favorite podcatcher: https://www.xiaoyuzhoufm.com/podcast/5e393a72418a84a046bd59a4 1. 好球(hǎo qiú) “Good ball!”as in “Good shot! Nice shot!” If someone goes in to score alone, that’s a 单刀球，dāndāo qiú, “lone sword ball” 2. 三不沾(sān bù zhān) “Three No-Touches”, an airball (it missed the backboard, the rim, AND the net) 3. 盖帽(gàimào) A hat; or, a law enforcement officer; or, a blocked shot. Wanna say “nice block?”好帽！ 4. 打得像蔡徐坤(dǎ dé xiàng càixúkūn) “You play like Cai Xukun,”an insult. Poor Mr. Cai made a music video wherein he displayed some... questionable b-ball skills, and was ridiculed The funny Taiwanese commentator who made up a lot of the colorful sports terms in Mandarin: 傅达仁，fùdárén Got questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook groups! WeChat: msgpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msgpodcast Twitter: ...

1. 俺(ǎn)I, me, we, us, etc2. 晓得(xiǎodé)To know something, like 知道3. 没门儿(méi méner)“No way! Not gonna happen!”For more words & examples, check out the Beijinger article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/8EDVicH7NMbknumcNtcviwGot questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook groups!WeChat: msgpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msgpodcast Twitter: @msgmandarin MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you. Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Thanks. I love you, no matter what Gregorysays.

Check out 杨一’s work as Co-Founder and COO of JustPod: https://justpodnews.com/en/1. 时间管理大师(shíjiān guǎnlǐ dàshī)Literally a “Time management master,”it’s a cheater who has to balance their time between multiple girl/boyfriends.2. 海王(hǎiwáng)Literally “Sea King”or Aquaman, it’s a player - someone who is at all the parties and whose response to “There are lots of fish in the sea”is “I’ll take them all, thanks!”3. 工具人(gōngjù rén)Literally “tool person,”it’s a person who is being used by their job or by someone else in their life. They’ve been reduced to a tool!4. 后浪(hòulàng)The “next wave,”it refers to the young generation that is coming after old people like me in the 前浪。Got questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook groups!WeChat: msgpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msgpodcast Twitter: @msgmandarin MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring...

1. 打工人(dǎgōng rén) “Laborers,”an ironic self-address used by the working class to commiserate and bond 2. 内卷(nèi juǎn) “Involution,”or curling inward, referring to the way competition forces people to put forth increasingly more effort and labor without receiving more benefits or creating better output. Originally a dry sociology term, it’s become hot as an explanation for many of China’s woes. 3. 凡尔赛(fáněrsài) “Versailles.”It’s become a buzzword for rich people showing off their (usually inherited, as opposed to earned) flashy lifestyle. 4. 阴间(yīnjiān) “The underworld,”or the dark place. Used in the way the kids are using “cursed”these days, to describe something you see online that you wish you hadn’t seen. Got questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook groups! WeChat: msgpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msgpodcast Twitter: @msgmandarin MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go i...

1. 爷青回(yé qīng huí) Short for 爷的青春回来了，”This old man’s youth has returned!”, meaning that something has reminded you of your youth; made you feel nostalgic; sent you back in time (figuratively) 2. 爷青结(yé qīng jié) Short for 爷的青春结束了，”This old man’s youth is ended,”meaning that something you used to love has either ended or become a disappointment. Got questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook groups! WeChat: msgpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msgpodcast Twitter: @msgmandarin MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you. Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Thanks. I love you, no matter what Santasays.

(If you've already heard the INCOMPLETE version, just skip to 21:30 and you'll hear the new stuff!)Hey! This is NSFW! Really! If you want a clean version, send me an email at mandarinslangguide@gmail.com and I'll make one for you, cuz there's a lot of profanity in this. You ready for that? OK, well, you've been warned!1.脑子不用，可以捐给有需要的人(Nǎozi bùyòng, kěyǐ juān gěi yǒu xūyào de rén)“If you’re not using your brain, you can donate it to someone in need!”2.傻B他妈给傻B开门，真是傻B到家了(shǎbī tā mā gěi shǎbī kāimén, zhēnshi shǎbī dàojiāle)“The dipsh*t’s mom opens the door for the dipsh*t, because the dipsh*t’s all the way home.”Saying something is “X到家了”literally means “X arrived at home,”but slang-ly it means “EXTREMELY X.”So you can substitute the “傻B”in this sentence for anything else, and the result is a profane way to say “EXTREMELY X.”3.哪个部门批准你装这么大的一个逼(nǎge bùmén pīzhǔn nǐ zhuāng zhème dà de yīgè ...

(THIS VERSION IS INCOMPLETE! I messed up in editing. To hear the complete version, just find the episode next to this one in the channel! If you've already listened to this incomplete version, then start at 21:30 in the new version.)Hey! This is NSFW! Really! If you want a clean version, send me an email at mandarinslangguide@gmail.com and I'll make one for you, cuz there's a lot of profanity in this. You ready for that? OK, well, you've been warned!1. 脑子不用，可以捐给有需要的人(Nǎozi bùyòng, kěyǐ juān gěi yǒu xūyào de rén)“If you’re not using your brain, you can donate it to someone in need!”2. 傻B他妈给傻B开门，真是傻B到家了(shǎbī tā mā gěi shǎbī kāimén, zhēnshi shǎbī dàojiāle)“The dipsh*t’s mom opens the door for the dipsh*t, because the dipsh*t’s all the way home.”Saying something is “X到家了”literally means “X arrived at home,”but slang-ly it means “EXTREMELY X.”So you can substitute the “傻B”in this sentence for anything else, and the ...

1.谢谢、谢你啦 (xièle,xiè nǐ la) More casual than 谢谢 2. 多谢 (duōxiè) Roughly as casual as 谢谢; neutral 3. 辛苦了(xīnkǔle) Literally, “trouble”, “hardship”, “laborious.”Used in this way as a work-oriented way to thank someone for their contributions. 4. 多费心了(duō fèixīnle) Used as preemptive gratitude for something that someone WILL do for you. 5. 你人真好(nǐ rén zhēn hǎo) “You’re so nice/kind!”Used to thank a relative stranger for something they’ve done. 6. 你太善良了(nǐ tài shànliángle) “You’re so kind / warm-hearted!”Used to thank a relative stranger for a particularly kind act. Got questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook groups! WeChat: msgpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msgpodcast Twitter: @msgmandarin MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you. Likes, subs...

1. 乔·拜登(qiáo·bài dēng) Joe Biden’s transliterated name. Usually written as just 拜登。Sometimes “Joseph”is written out as 约瑟夫，but this year has been hard enough so let’s keep it simple. Also note how an interpunct (·) is used between first and last names when transliterated. 2. 败登(bài dēng) A derisive nickname for Biden, anticipating his failure or defeat 3. 贺锦丽(hèjǐnlì) Kamala Harris’Chinese name. Sometimes people call her 卡马拉·哈里斯 but that’s just so much work! 4. 川普、特朗普(chuān pǔ, tè lǎng pǔ) Two different transliterations of Trump’s name. 川普 is informal, 特朗普 is the formal one. 川 itself is often used to represent Trump. 5. 川建国(chuān jiànguó) A nickname for Trump that uses the common Chinese name 建国, meaning “founding/building the country.”Depending on who you ask, it’s a positive nickname referencing “Make America Great Again”or it’s a negative nickname referencing how Trump’s policies have helped China grow. 6. 蒙...

1. 坑(kēng)Literally a hole, pit, or trap. Used as an adjective for something that’s gonna cost you, whether it’s an overpriced item or a 猪一样的队友2. 猪一样的队友(zhū yīyàng de duìyǒu)“Pig-like teammate(s),”people who are as useless as a pig. Often paired with the phrase 神一样的对手，shén yīyàng de duìshǒu, ”godlike opponents.”So 神一样的对手，猪一样的队友 is a pretty bad situation to be in!3. 满血复活(mǎn xiě fùhuó)“Full-blood resurrection.”To be brought back to life with full HP, either in a game or after a very relaxing weekend.4. 秒(miǎo)Literally “a second,”it can also be a verb meaning “to kill someone in one second,”or instakill. If something sells out the second it hits the shelves, that’s also 秒。 5.肉盾 or 坦克(ròu dùnOR tǎnkè)“Meat shield”or “tank”, this is the... tank of the party. 6.法师(fǎshī)Magician, or magic master. The caster of the party. Not to be confused with 法官，judge. 7.刺客(cìkè)Assassin. Not even slang, it’s ...

1. 觉悟(juéwù)Englightenment! Existential awakening! Evolving into your final form! (Might also be used to stand in for the USian concept of “woke,” but it’s more likely that Chinese speakers would use “woke” itself as a loan word)2. 醒悟(xǐngwù)A more mundane kind of awakening or awareness, like your mind wandered and you snapped back to reality. Or like your favorite podcast host has been a fraud the whole time and you’re just now realizing it.3. 清醒(qīngxǐng)Clear-headed or sharp. 4. 醒酒(xǐngjiǔ)To sober up. Also used to talk about how red wine “wakes up” a few minutes after you open the bottle. Really, we didn’t give this one enough time in the episode. Good word! 5.醒目(xǐngmù)“Eye-awakening” or eye-catching. Such a vivid metaphor!Got questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook groups!WeChat: msgpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msgpodcast Twitter: @msgmandarin MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that yo...

Hey! If you’re thinking about upping your Chinese level, check out GoEast! It’s where I take classes, and they’re offering online classes no matter where you are! Check it out at www.goeastmandarin.com!Beginner problem: Using “textbook”expressions like:1. 你好吗！(Can replace with 你怎么样？最近忙吗？)2. 再见 (Can replace with 明天见、回见、or 走了！)3. 请 (Can replace with 麻烦)Intermediate problem: Sounding childish1. Can replace overused words like 真的 with 实在、确实2. Use more complex sentence structures like 开始的时候，然后，最后 or 虽然，但是Expert problem: Using high-level phrases imprecisely1. 胡说八道 (húshuō bādào), spouting nonsense2. 不明觉厉 (bùmíng jué lì), to assume something is amazing because it’s hard to understand3. 斜杠青年 (xiégāng qīngnián), a “/ youth”, or youngster with too many hobbies or careers, ie “musician/writer/translator/pastry chef”Got questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook groups!WeChat: msgpodcast Facebook...

1. 网易云音乐(wǎngyì yún yīnyuè)When making fun of the overly depressive comments on this app, it’s sometimes written as 网抑云阴乐。2. 百度云(bǎidù wǎng pán)File sharing app sometimes used to view & share pirated movies. 网盘见！See you on the online storage (wǎng pán)!3. 和平精英(hépíng jīngyīng)“Peace Elites”, a PUBG ripoff, sometimes referred to as 吃鸡！Eat chicken!4. 江南百景图(jiāngnán bǎi jǐng tú)“Southern Hundred-Livelihood Picture,”a Ming Dynasty city simulator. Be careful, it’s very 上头！(addictive)5. 小宇宙(xiǎoyǔzhòu)“Little Universe,”a podcasting app that lets you listen to pretty much any podcast in China without having to 翻墙 (fān qiáng, use a VPN)6. 为你读诗(wèi nǐ dú shī)“Read Poems for You”, officially called Poems for You, an app full of Chinese & translated poems. Great for finding Chinese versions of your favorite poems and hearing the most standard Chinese!Got questions? Want flash cards? Join the WeChat or Facebook gro...

1. 说曹操，曹操就到(shuō cáocāo, cáocāo jiù dào)“Speak of the devil”(Literally, “Say Caocao’s name and he’ll arrive!")2. 望梅止渴(wàngméizhǐkě)“Look at plums to quench your thirst”Depending on promises of a beautiful future to help endure a painful present3. 乐不思蜀(lèbùsīshǔ)“So happy that you don’t even think of Shu anymore”To forget your responsibilities or roots because you’re having fun4. 周瑜打黄盖: 一个愿打一个愿挨(zhōuyú dǎ huáng gài: Yīgè yuàn dǎ yīgè yuàn āi)“Zhou Yu beats Huang Gai: One is willing to beat, the other is willing to be beaten.”A situation where one appears to punish another, but it’s just a ruseNow, go listen to John’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin podcasts here! (In English)www.chineselore.comGot questions? Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcastFlash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-da...

1. 八卦 (bāguà)Gossip! Or to gossip. Or gossipy. Basically fills every part of speech.Comes from the name of the “eight trigrams”of the I Qing.2. 吃瓜 (chī guā)To eat melons, or to be a gossipy bystander (who is eating a melon, metaphorically speaking)3. 石锤 (shí chuí)The “stone hammer”is proof behind a rumor. Rumor is just gossip until you find the stone hammer - then it’s news.4. 黑 (hēi)To slander someone.Got questions? Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcastFlash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guidemandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088ApplePodcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook...

1. 蛮(mán)A southern way to say 很, “very”(it’s pretty neutral - not very emphatic) 2. 巨(jù)Giant! Or gigantically.Oh, man, I just realized this is like the invented adverb “bigly” 3. 贼(zéi)When it’s a noun, it’s thiefWhen it’s an adjective, it’s savvyWhen it’s an adverb, it’s “very”or “extremely”or “super” 4. 倍儿(bèi er)倍 literally means “multiple,”so using 倍儿 multiplies the effect of an adjective.It’s a Beijing thing.Got questions? Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcastFlash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guidemandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088ApplePodcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind ...

1. 口头禅 (kǒu tou chán) Literally a Zen mantra; figuratively, a pet phrase (Not that the "tou" has no tone, but sometimes people pronounce it in the second tone anyway) 2. 必须的 (bì xū de) “Must! It must be so!” 3. 就是 (jiù shì) “Yeah! I agree! It IS like that!” 4. 精彩 (jīng cǎi) Wonderful! Splendid! Dazzling! Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcast Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat! Twitter: @msgmandarin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguide Web: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guide mandarinslangguide@gmail.com Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460 MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you. Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep...

1. 假新闻 (jiǎ xīnwén)Fake news!2. 杠精 (gàng jīng)A contrarian comment troll3. 水军 (shuǐ jūn)Fake posters, either to give the appearance of high web traffic or to spread propaganda4. 键盘侠 (jiànpán xiá)“Keyboard hero,” those ‘noble’ folks out there trying to save the world one comments section at a time!Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcastFlash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guidemandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you.Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Than...

1. 88 (bā bā)Sounds like “Bye bye!” (拜拜，bài bài)2. 520 (wǔ èr líng)Sounds like “I love you.” (我爱你，wǒ ài nǐ)3. 555 (wǔ wǔ wǔ)Onomatopoeia for cutesy crying4. 233 (èr sān sān)“lol,” from an old forum keyboard shortcut for a laughing face5. 250 (èr bǎi wǔ)“Idiot.” Not nice, use with care (the word, not the idiot).Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcastFlash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guidemandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you.Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be abl...

1. 打卡 (dǎ kǎ) Clock in/out, check in 2. 摸鱼 (mō yú) “Touch the fish;” slack off. Comes from the chengyu 浑水摸鱼, “muddy the water to catch the fish.” 3. 社畜 (shè chù) “Society animal,” a person who is like a farm animal, and the farm is their job. Something like “corporate slave.” 4. 搬砖 (bān zhuān) “Hauling bricks,” describing one’s work as mindless labor. 5. 葛优躺 (gěyōu tǎng) The “Ge You” recline; lying around staring into space, doing nothing Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcast Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat! Twitter: @msgmandarin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguide Web: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guide mandarinslangguide@gmail.com Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460 MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the cult...

1. 吸猫 (xī māo) “Snorting cats”, to be addicted to cats like a drug 2. 缘分 (yuán fèn) Fate, serendipity 3. 脑海 (nǎo hǎi) “Brain ocean,” metaphor for your mental space 4. 枯燥 (kū zào) Dry & withered (like a boring lecture) 5. 陶渊明 (Táo yuān míng) Jin Dynasty poet who loved chrysanthemums 6. 叫兽 (jiào shòu) “Howling beast,” used as an honorific for professors who are sexual predators (because the pronunciation is exactly the same as “professor,” 教授 ) 7. 米兔 (mǐ tù) “Rice bunny,” transliteration of “me too,” the movement 8. 忧郁鱿鱼 (yōuyù yóuyú) “Sad squid.” Look, it’s not really a thing, but if you want a print of Frankie’s sad squid paintings (or any of her other great illustrations or puns), check her out at the links below! Get more of Frankie’s thoughts and art: PutongWords Etc.: https://putongwords.substack.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/putongwords/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ourobororoboruo Shop: http://www.frankie-huang.c...

1. 家里蹲 (jiā lǐ dūn)To “squat” at home, never go out, be a homebody2. 歧视 (qí shì)To discriminate against something or someone (not slang tho)3. 捐赠 (juān zèng)To donate (not slang tho)4. 众志成城 (zhòng zhì chéng chéng)A chengyu: “the will of the masses forms a strong wall.”Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcastFlash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guidemandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you.Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Thanks. I love you, no matter w...

1. 刷弹幕 (shuā dàn mù)To send a “bullet” comment2. 啊我死了 (a wǒ sǐ le)AWSL: something is so cute or funny or great that you have died from it.3. 笑死我了 (xiào sǐ wǒ le)XSWL: Laughing myself to death.4. 我可以 (wǒ kě yǐ)Put this after something to express that you love it.5. 泪目 (lèi mù)“Tears.” Used on a sad part of a show.Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcastFlash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guidemandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you.Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be ab...

1. 冠状病毒 (guānzhuàng bìngdú)Coronavirus 2. 口罩 (kǒuzhào)Face mask. You want either a surgical mask (医用外科口罩，yīyòng wàikē kǒuzhào) or a N95 or above. 3. 隔离 (gélí)Quarantine or isolation. Self-imposed quarantine is 自行隔离，zìxíng gélí 4. 封城 (fēng chéng)To close off a city 5. 非典型性肺炎 (fēidiǎn xíng xìng fèiyán)SARS (within which 肺炎 refers to pneumonia) 6. 谣言(yáoyán)Rumors, usually used in an official context Stay safe! Wear a mask! Wash your hands! Don’t touch your face!  Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcastFlash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!mandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guide MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. ...

1. (反向) 春运 ((fǎnxiàng chūnyùn)(Reverse) Spring Festival transit2. 抢票、抢红包、抢单 (qiǎng piào, qiǎng hóngbāo, qiǎng dān)Snatch tickets, red packets, or the check3. 吐槽 (tǔ cáo)To complain, usually comically4. 扫福 (sǎo fú)To scan a 福 character with Alipay and try to get a chance to win the Spring Festival drawingJoin the WeChat group! [WeChat: msgpodcast]Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!mandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guideMSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you.Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to k...

1. 潮流 (cháo liú) Trends 2. 时髦 (shí máo) Stylish 3. 复古 (fù gǔ) Retro 4. 未来主义 (wèi lái zhǔ yì) Futurism 5. 优雅 (yōu yǎ) Elegant, timeless style 6. 经典 (jīng diǎn) Classic (describing objects) 7. 风格 (fēng gé) Style (sometimes shortened to 风 when used like a suffix) 8. 欧美 (ōu měi) “Euro-American”, or “western” 9. 日韩 (rì hán) “Japanese & Korean” 【Follow Adrianna! Insta: themulanshow WeiBo: the木兰show】 Join the WeChat group! WeChat: msgpodcast Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat! mandarinslangguide@gmail.com Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460 Twitter: @msgmandarin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguide Web: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guide MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words t...

Follow Wanying! Harry Potter stuff (in Chinese): https://mp.weixin.qq.com/mp/profile_ext?action=home&__biz=MzU0Nzk3NDk5Ng==&scene=124#wechat_redirect Museologue (博物志) Instagram: bowuzhi Vocab: 1. 吃货 (chī huò) Foodie 2. 上火 (shàng huǒ) A physical condition thought to be caused by certain foods in traditional Chinese medicine, with symptoms like heartburn, ulcers, and pimples. 3. 撑了 (chēng le) Completely stuffed 4. 多喝热水 (duō hē rè shuǐ) “Drink more warm water,” the most common suggestion for almost literally any problem you might have. A: 哎呦，我吃撑了！ B: 你真是个吃货。你吃什么了？ A: 火锅。 B: 哇！吃火锅会上火！ A: 怎么办？ B: 多喝热水吧。 Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat! mandarinslangguide@gmail.com Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460 Twitter: @msgmandarin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguide Web: https://www.ogden-dav...

1. 牛B(NiúB) Awesome/Strong/Powerful (can also just say 牛, because the B is a bad word) 2. 我心好酷(wǒ xīn hǎo kù) My heart is bitter (I feel bad) 3. 我没有心(wǒ méiyǒu xīn) I have no heart (I’ve given up on life) 4.你行你上 (nǐ xíng nǐ shàng) You can, you up! (If you think you’re good enough, then YOU try it!) 5.加油 (jiāyóu) Go go go! (Humorously mistranslated as “Add Oil”) 6.不作死就不会死 (bùzuò sǐ jiù bù huì sǐ) You brought this on yourself! (commonly said as “No Zuo No Die”) 7.因吹斯汀 (yīn chuī sī tīng) “Interesting...” 8.三克油 (sān kè yóu) Humorous transliteration of “Thank you!” To see all these stickers and more, send us a message and I’ll add you to the WeChat group! mandarinslangguide@gmail.com Twitter: @msgmandarin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguide Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088 ApplePodcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460 Web: https://www.ogden-da...

1. 赚了(zhuànle) Make a profit / come out on top 2. 超(chāo) Short for 超级 chāojí，super! 3. 棒棒的(bàng bàng de) Great! Amazing! 4. 抠门儿(kōuméner) Stingy, cheap (can just say 抠) 5. 好惨一女的/男的 (hǎo cǎn yī nǚ de/nán de) What a tragic girl/guy! A: 你收到了什么圣诞礼物呢？ B: 哇塞，今年我赚了！ A: 怎么说？ B: 我收到我超喜欢的衣服了。 A: 棒棒的！ B: 你呢？有什么惊喜？ A: 没啥。我的朋友很抠门儿。 B: 哎。好惨一女的。 Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat! mandarinslangguide@gmail.com Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088 ApplePodcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460 Twitter: @msgmandarin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguide Web: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guide MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you. Likes, subsc...

1. 回国 (huí guó)Return to one’s country2. 烦 (fán)Annoying, troublesome3. 尬聊 (gà liáo)Awkward conversation4. 和谐 (hé xié)“Harmonious”A: 你圣诞节回国吗？B: 回。要陪家人过节。A: 陪家人烦不烦？B: 不烦！很温暖。A: 可是家人尬聊政治怎么办？B: 不会啊！我们的话题很和谐。Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!mandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guideMSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you.Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Thanks. I love you, no matter what Eric says.

Ying's shop is V Spot in Shanghai at 218 Xinle Road (新乐路). Check it out for toys, classes, or even drinks!Clay is the host of the Strangers in China podcast, where you can hear more from him and Ying about the sexual situation in China (and a lot of other guests with other topics as well!). Find it here or wherever you podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chapter-six-lets-talk-dirty-cleanly/id1479120474?i=1000458888051性用品 (xìng yòng pǐn)Sex toy流氓 (liú máng)Ruffian (sometimes pervert)花心 (huā xīn)Playboy/girl黄 (huáng)Yellow / pornographic健康 (jiàn kāng)Healthy (socially acceptable)A: 这是什么？B: 这是性用品。A: 啊？不要！我不是流氓！B: 不是不是。性用品不黄。A: 是吗？我也不是花心。B: 放心。这些很健康。我给你讲一下。。。Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!mandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460Twitter: @msgmandarin...

Steve Shi is a psychotherapist and podcaster, and we talked about masculinity & personality in Chinese culture.You on WeiBo? Give the man a follow: @史秀雄Steve1. 拧巴 (nǐng bā)Indecisive, vascillating2. 厚道 (hòu dao)Virtuous / acceptable behavior3. 老好人 (lǎo hǎo rén)Super nice, kind of a pushover4. 实在 (shí zài)Solid, honest, dependableA: 哎，Josh真是个老好人B: 反正过于nice比不nice还要好吧A: 但他还是个很拧巴的人B: 虽然很拧巴，但是也有优点吧A: 比如说？B: 他是个实在的人。Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!mandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideWeb: https://www.ogden-davis.com/mandarin-slang-guideMSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your t...

If you want to hear more from Ashley, check out her YouTube channel, OutChina! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWyFpX7__lPhRjUdwBzY4hA 1. 同性恋 (tóng xìng liàn)Homosexual2. 异性恋 (yì xìng liàn)Heterosexual3. 双性恋 (shuāng xìng liàn)Bisexual4. 同志 (tóngzhì)Comrade (also a slang word for “gay”)5. 拉拉 (lā lā)Slang for lesbian6. 跨性别 (kuà xìng bié)Transgender7. 酷儿 (kù er)QueerFlash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!mandarinslangguide@gmail.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Xh5L5kZLPoSyeQ55osc1ETwitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideMSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you.Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings hel...

Now that 11.11 is well and truly over, here are the words you’ll need to understand how we’re all dealing with the aftermath. 1. 亲 (qīn)“Dear,” often used in customer service 2. 吃土 (chī tǔ)“Eat dirt,” or have no spending money left 3. 安利 (ānlì)“Amway”, or to promote a product  A: 亲，安利你一个化妆品。B: 算了。我双十一剁手太多，以后要吃土了。A: 没事。买太多了就退货。B: 退不了。客服说，“亲，我们不能退货。”A: 好吧。那你去吃土吧。 Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!mandarinslangguide@gmail.comTwitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguide MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you. Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Thanks. I love you, no matter what Eric says.

What slang words will be useful in the office? And should you communicate differently with Chinese and western co-workers?1. 996 (jiǔ jiǔ liù)9am – 9pm, 6 days a week2. 小姐姐，小哥哥 (xiǎo jiějiě, xiǎo gēgē)Cute address for a stranger3. 工作狂 (gong zuò kuáng)WorkaholicA: 哈喽，小姐姐！你最近忙吗？B: 很忙。我是996A: 啊！那太忙了吧。B: 是的。但是我喜欢。A: 为什么？B: 我是工作狂！Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat!mandarinslangguide@gmail.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideMSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you.Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Thanks. I love you, no mat...

1. 剁手 (duò shǒu) Buy something expensive that you don’t need 2. 种草 (zhòng cǎo) Desire to buy something 3. 拔草 (bá cǎo) Get over your desire to buy something A: 双十一来啦！你要剁手什么？ B: 我觉得iPhone11很酷，种草了！ A: 诶？iPhone11镜头太多，很难看。 B; 哦。好吧。那我拔草了。 Flash cards and Q&A on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat! mandarinslangguide@gmail.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460 Himalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088 Twitter: @msgmandarin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguide MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. We go inside the language to bring you the culture and stories behind the words that your textbook just isn’t giving you. Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Thanks. I love you, no matter what Eric says.

Your daily dose of MSG:1. 播客 (bō kè)Podcast2. 主播 (zhǔ bō)Host / podcaster3. 迷上 (mí shàng)Become fascinated with / become a fan of4. 听下去 (tīng xià qù)Keep listeningA: 你听播客吗？B: 不怎么听。A: 我很喜欢故事类的播客。爱哲是我最喜欢的主播。B: 我就不喜欢听别人巴拉巴拉A: 这不是巴拉巴拉！故事FM很逗，很感人！我迷上了！B: 随你。反正播客我听不下去。A: 那我跟你聊不下去了。拜拜！Wanna listen to Aizhe’s show, 故事FM? Here’s a link:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/%E6%95%85%E4%BA%8B-fm/id1256399960Want more MSG? Come get some!mandarinslangguide@gmail.comHimalaya: https://www.himalaya.com/en/show/1461088Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mandarin-slang-guide/id1486119460Twitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGgFIA8UQTkc1ffGpcMTdgMSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to ...

Behold the delicious MSG we've prepared for you today! 1. 领导 (lǐng dǎo) Leader / big boss 2. 创新 (chuàng xīn) Innovation 3. 突破 (tū pò) Breakthrough 4. 汇报 (huì bào) Report (to a superior) A: 李总李总，我们对一下我的方案吧。 B: 你的方案有问题。不够创新。 A: 啊？什么意思？B: 就是没有突破，格局不够大。 A: 好吧。那我重改。 B: 快点吧。下午要给领导汇报哦！ Curious about Josh’s company, WE Marketing? Check check check it out: https://www.we-mkt.com/ Want more MSG? Come get some! mandarinslangguide@gmail.com MSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Thanks. I love you, no matter what Eric says.

Behold the delicious MSG we've prepared for you today!1. 666"Awesome! Dope!" 2. 雨女无瓜 (yǔ nǚ wú guā)"None of your business!" 3. 我酸了 (wǒ suānle)"I'm jealous." A: 我买新手机了? B: 666 A: 你用什么手机？ B: 雨女无瓜 A: 我买了iPhone 11 B: 我酸了 Want more MSG? Come get some!mandarinslangguide@gmail.comTwitter: @msgmandarinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandarinslangguideMSG is bringing you the delicious Chinese learning content that you need. Likes, subscribes, comments, and ratings help ensure that I'll be able to keep doing it! Thanks. I love you, no matter what Eric says.