Text Like a Native ： 6 Internet Slang Words & Phrases (Part 2)

In our previous article, we explored 8 popular slang abbreviations commonly used by Chinese netizens. If you missed it, you can catch up here:

| Text Like a Native: 8 Internet Slang Abbreviations

This week, let's dive into even more cool phrases that you can use when chatting with your friends! 👩‍💻

6 Internet Slang

Words & Phrases

              

01. City不city

"City不City" is used by internet users to playfully question if something embodies the vibe of "city" - meaning trendy, modern, or sophisticated like city life. 

It went viral after a foreign travel vlogger used it to assess if certain places or activities were "city enough."

City不city

City bu city

to describe places, outfits, or

experiences that have a stylish vibe.

In this phrase, "city" is used as an adjective to mean something urban, stylish, or exciting. For example:

上海好city啊!

Shànghǎi hǎo city a!

Shanghai is so "city"!

这样穿搭city不city?

Zhèyàng chuāndā city bu city?

Is this outfit stylish?

lit. "This-outfit-city-not-city?"

02. U1S1

This abbreviation translates to "if there is one, say one," implying that one should speak honestly and straightforwardly.

有一说一

yǒu yī shuō yī

U1S1; seriously or honestly

lit. "have-one-say-one"

.HOW TO USE.

People often use it to express a balanced view, highlighting both the positives and negatives of something.

U1S1这这家餐厅的环境很好，

U1S1, zhè jiā cāntīng de huánjìng hěn hǎo,

U1S1, this restaurant's atmosphere is nice,‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

但是价格有点贵。

dànshì jiàgé yǒudiǎn guì.

but the prices are a bit high.‍

03. To Eat Dirt 

吃土 (chī tǔ) translates to "eat dirt," and it's commonly used by Gen Z to describe being broke or having spent all their money.

吃土

chī tǔ

to be short on money

lit. "eat-dirt"

.HOW TO USE ‍

You can use this phrase with friends to playfully acknowledge your financial struggles. 💰

每次月底我都得吃土!

Měi gè yuèdǐ wǒ dōu děi chī tǔ!

Every month-end, I'm short on money.

lit. "‍‍‍Every month-end, I have to eat dirt"

04. FY

Meaning "to set off fireworks," this term is informally used to mean having fun or celebrating.

放烟花

fàng yān huā

FY; to celebrate; to have fun‍

lit. "to set off-fireworks"

NOTE.

Here's an example of how to use 放烟花 (fàng yānhuā):
‍

她总是知道怎么FY。

Tā zǒngshì zhīdào zěnme FY.

She always knows how to have fun.

05. 比心

比心 (bǐ xīn) translates to "finger heart," referring to the popular gesture of making a heart shape with your fingers, similar to the "heart" symbol used in Western cultures. 🫰

比心

bǐ xīn

finger heart; to send love

NOTE.

It's commonly used by younger generations on social media to show support, appreciation, or friendly feelings. Use 比心 (bǐ xīn) when you want to convey love or gratitude.

06. 666‍‍

The Chinese term 666 (liù liù liù) is commonly used to express that something is "awesome" or "cool." 666 is similar to saying "That's lit" or "Great job!" in English.

六六六

liù liù liù

666; awesome, cool

PRO TIP

You can express this with a hand gesture resembling the number 六 (liù) by extending your pinky and thumb while folding down the other fingers.

你的表演太棒了，666!

Nǐ de biǎoyǎn tài bàng le, 666!

Your performance was amazing, awesome!

‍‍‍‍‍‍

Practice with Teachers

              

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