The Hottest Buzzwords Dominating Chinese Social Networks
By Colin Yang
The Hoffman Agency, Shanghai
Friendship 101 states that meaningful relationships develop between people who share things in common. Or – to borrow the maxim – birds of a feather flock together.
Now, this doesn’t mean that if you’re an Indiana Jones fan you can only be friends with other Indiana Jones fans. But it does mean that if you want to be friends with someone, you’ve got to “speak the same language.” You have to understand each other’s jokes, share a similar sense of humor and hold at least a few key interests in common so that you can enjoy a conversation.
Forming a friendship online isn’t all that different.
Some Hoffmanites (and maybe some of you reading this post) have wanted to get accounts on Chinese social networks such as Weibo, but have been concerned about the language barrier. Even if you know Chinese already, you may not be up to speed on the latest buzzwords dominating social media.
So today, I’d like to acquaint you with some key terms and catchphrases abounding on Chinese microblogs. Remember them and use them – they will be your secret weapons to being popular on Weibo and gaining five-digit followers. Who knows? They might even help you score a few friendships as well.
What does it mean: A tall, rich and handsome guy & a fair-faced, rich and gorgeous lady
How to pronounce: Gay Fool Shy & Bad Fool Maid
What does it mean: Loser
How to pronounce: Diors
What does it mean: Dear
How to pronounce: Chin
What does it mean: To be embarrassed
How to pronounce: John
What does it mean: To be thick, insane
How to pronounce: Er
What does it mean: Dominating, thrashing
How to pronounce: Ball True Shawn
How to pronounce: Dar(k) John You De
Approved usage / comments:
I have no idea. I am just an innocent Dar(k) John You De.
What does it mean: To calm down
How to pronounce: Damn Dean
Approved usage / comments:
Damn dean, buddy. It’s no big deal.
What does it mean: To struggle
How to pronounce: Joe Jay
Approved usage / comments:
I am debating between a Maserati and a Ferrari. Each car has its own merits – this is such a Joe Jay.
What does it mean: Moral integrity
How to pronounce: Jay Chao / Jay Chao swee(t) yi D
Approved usage / comments:
How could you do something like that? Where is your Jay Chao?
What does it mean: Hold on / Hang in there
How to pronounce: Hold Ju(de)
What does it mean: Awesome
How to pronounce: Gay Lee
What does it mean: Cheating
How to pronounce: Kenn Dear
(This phrase will be your trump!!!)
What does it mean: How do you view this?
How to pronounce: Yuan Fang, Knee Zen Merk Ann?
