Trendy Chinese Podcast 舌尖上的中文播客

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Learn real Mandarin through slang, buzzwords & pop culture. Each episode breaks down one trendy phrase — in clear, natural Chinese. 🎬 Watch with visuals on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TrendyChinese Perfect for intermediate learners who want to sound like a native.

Episodes

  1. FEB 2

    老登 lǎo dēng — The Chinese Slang Behind the Eye-Roll

    What does “老登 (lǎo dēng)” really mean—and why does Gen Z keep saying it?This episode breaks down one of the most viral Chinese internet slang terms used to react to “here we go again” moments, outdated thinking, and exhausting lectures that young people feel but don’t want to argue with. From its Northeastern dialect roots and classical literary origins, to how it evolved into a modern, emotion-packed internet expression, we explore how Chinese slang captures feelings like 无奈 (helpless resignation) better than a direct explanation ever could. If you’re learning Mandarin, curious about Chinese internet culture, or fascinated by how Gen Z creates language to cope with everyday frustration—this episode is for you. 💬 What You’ll Learn in This Episode What 老登 lǎo dēng means in modern Chinese slang Why it’s not always an insult anymore How Gen Z uses slang to express emotion, not arguments How 老登 compares to “OK boomer” in English When it’s okay to use—and when it’s absolutely not 🔗 Chinese Slang Glossary (老登 + examples):https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lrr8rAPF-OKdCbOSYQR3Xp4rmlF-hBbyXeVAEasscbg/edit?usp=sharing 📺 YouTube Channel — TrendyChinese 舌尖上的中文:www.youtube.com/@TrendyChineseModern Chinese slang, culture, and real-life expressions explained for learners. 老登 isn’t just a word — it’s a shared emotional reaction.It shows how modern Chinese evolves through internet culture, generational tension, and everyday frustration, turning a single slang term into a shortcut for feelings everyone recognizes. Listen in and start hearing Chinese the way it’s actually used today.

    6 min

  2. JAN 25

    叛逆萌 (pàn nì méng): The “Ugly-Cute” Aesthetic Behind LABUBU | Advanced Chinese Podcast

    Why are “ugly-cute” characters suddenly everywhere — and why do they feel so addictive? From LABUBU’s crooked smile to meme culture, designer toys, and viral aesthetics, this episode unpacks 叛逆萌 (pàn nì méng) — a uniquely Chinese slang term describing rebellious cuteness that breaks the rules of traditional beauty. In this Advanced Chinese Podcast, we explore how 叛逆萌 connects: Chinese internet slang Pop-mart & designer toy culture Meme aesthetics and emotional resonance East Asian ideas of imperfection, rebellion, and healing If you’re learning Chinese through real internet language, trends, and cultural psychology — this one’s for you. “我第一眼看真的觉得有点丑……但越看越上头。” At first it looked ugly — but the more I looked, the more I couldn’t stop. “‘叛逆萌’不是随便的可爱，而是一种不循规蹈矩的可爱。” This isn’t just cute — it’s rebellious cute. “这种不完美，反而更真实，也更戳中人心。” Imperfection makes it feel real — and that’s why it hits. We’ve prepared a listener-friendly glossary with pinyin, explanations, and English equivalents for key slang like: 叛逆萌 上头 丧 / 贱 表情包 审美疲劳 👉 Glossary link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FZeJDtNAtfr-ngkc-Gk45xQAtRDo03IFaINk7skyz3E/edit?usp=sharing Prefer visuals, thumbnails, and meme examples? 📺 Subscribe to the TrendyChinese YouTube channel for more slang terms:👉www.youtube.com/@TrendyChinese If this episode clicked for you, don’t miss our related slang breakdown: 叛逆萌 isn’t just about toys or looks — it reflects how a generation pushes back against perfection, embraces flaws, and finds comfort in being real. This episode helps advanced learners understand how Chinese slang encodes emotion, culture, and attitude, not just vocabulary — making your Chinese sound more natural, current, and human. #AdvancedChinese #ChineseSlang #叛逆萌 #ChinesePodcast

    6 min

  3. JAN 18

    硬刚 (Yìng Gāng): The Chinese Slang for Going Head-On & Clapping Back

    What does 硬刚 (yìng gāng) really mean — and why is it everywhere in Chinese internet culture right now? In this episode of Trendy Chinese｜舌尖上的中文, we break down one of the most viral Gen-Z Chinese slang terms that captures a bold, no-backing-down attitude. From Luckin vs. Starbucks to 零零后整顿职场, 硬刚 shows up wherever people choose direct confrontation over quiet endurance. You’ll learn: What 硬刚 means (and what it doesn’t mean) How it evolved from gaming slang to mainstream culture Why young people love using it in workplace drama, brand wars, and online clapbacks How 硬刚 compares to English expressions like go head-to-head and clap back When 硬刚 feels empowering — and when it might backfire This episode is perfect for: 🎧 Chinese learners curious about real internet slang 🎧 Listeners interested in modern Chinese culture & Gen Z mindset 🎧 YouTube viewers who enjoy short, sharp cultural breakdowns 📘 Episode Glossary (with pinyin & English explanations): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1joDaeHuZM7K78X-kWjO5XhaguCzIgofydHFGhpU3iOY/edit?usp=sharing 📺 Subscribe to the TrendyChinese YouTube channel for more slang terms: www.youtube.com/@TrendyChinese 💬 Question for you: In what situation would you choose to 硬刚 — and when would you walk away? If you enjoy learning Chinese beyond textbooks, follow Trendy Chinese｜舌尖上的中文 for more buzzwords, culture, and internet-era Mandarin.

    5 min

  4. JAN 11

    抽象 chōu xiàng｜From Philosophy to Memes: How Chinese Gen Z Describe Chaos

    What do Chinese people mean when they say something is “太抽象了”? In this episode of TrendyChinese｜舌尖上的中文, we take a deep dive into the viral Chinese slang 抽象 (chōu xiàng) — a word that started as a serious philosophical concept and somehow became the go-to reaction for memes, videos, and moments where logic just breaks. You’ll hear how Chinese Gen Z use “抽象” not just to describe confusion, but to cope with a world that often feels absurd, chaotic, and impossible to explain. From livestream culture to comment sections, this word has quietly become a shared emotional shorthand — even for native speakers who’ve never stopped to think about where it came from. 🎯 This episode is for you if you: Love learning Chinese slang beyond textbook meanings Are curious about Chinese internet culture & memes Want to understand how language reflects modern emotions Or just enjoy thoughtful conversations in natural Mandarin Why “抽象” suddenly became an internet buzzword How a philosophical term turned into meme culture What “太抽象了” really signals emotionally Similar expressions in English and other languages Why even native speakers feel this word, but struggle to explain it 📖 Episode Glossary (Chinese + English explanations): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PGVUC1dyjVzarjOlBUK64KZOhtibgGy0o_UnXBNJ5wA/edit?usp=sharing 📺 Subscribe to the TrendyChinese YouTube channel for more slang terms: www.youtube.com/@TrendyChinese This audio episode lets you slow down and really feel the rhythm of the language — perfect for intermediate learners, bilingual listeners, and anyone who enjoys cultural storytelling without visuals. Once you hear “抽象” this way, you’ll start noticing it everywhere. Chinese slang · 抽象是什么意思 · Mandarin podcast · Chinese internet culture · Gen Z language · Learn Chinese through culture · 网络流行语 · 中文播客

    5 min

  5. JAN 3

    逆天｜The Chinese Slang for When Reality Makes No Sense

    Ever seen something so unreal you didn’t know whether to praise it, complain about it, or just laugh at yourself? Chinese Gen Z have a word for that feeling: 逆天. Originally meaning “to go against Heaven / fate,” 逆天 has been completely re-wired online. Today, it’s used to react to things that feel too wild, too ridiculous, or too impossible to be real — from AI breakthroughs and miracle weight loss stories to everyday self-roasts. In this episode of Trendy Chinese｜舌尖上的中文, we go beyond the dictionary and unpack: how 逆天 shifted from a mythological concept to a viral internet reaction why the same word can express praise, shade, or self-mockery how Chinese slang captures emotion first — logic second what 逆天 reveals about how young people talk about reality, pressure, and “breaking limits” This episode is perfect for: 🎧 Mandarin learners who want real, modern Chinese 🌏 listeners curious about Chinese internet culture 👀 anyone who keeps seeing this word online and thinks: “I feel it… but I don’t fully get it.” Want to see pinyin, examples, and usage notes for 逆天 and related slang? 👉 Glossary + transcript:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hqo9VvzUKzeMcBJajhSNMPefmWUK0QHIT7Tyfr3an8k/edit?usp=sharing Prefer visuals, examples, and on-screen text? The full video + Shorts are on YouTube: 👉 Trendy Chinese｜舌尖上的中文 www.youtube.com/@TrendyChinese Is 逆天 a compliment, a roast, or a self-joke to you? Your answer probably depends on the vibe — and that’s the point.

    5 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    去浪 (qù làng) — The Chinese Slang for Living Carefree

    Ever just wanna drop everything and go have fun for once? 🌊 That’s exactly what Chinese Gen Z say when they use the slang “去浪 (qù làng)” — a word that sounds like “go surf,” but really means to escape routines and live a little freer. In this episode of Trendy Chinese 舌尖上的中文, we break down what “去浪” really means, how to use it naturally, and why it’s become a cultural mood in modern China. Perfect for Mandarin learners, pop culture fans, or anyone curious about how Chinese slang reflects real life. 💡 You’ll Learn: What “去浪 (qù làng)” actually means (spoiler: it’s not about surfing) Real-life examples and pronunciation tips The mindset behind this viral buzzword among China’s Gen Z How to use it like a native speaker 📘 Learn with our Glossary: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HAK5LU3eeiq4pqiFeg72iNMwVat5vy9DtfAB8D2ideY/edit?usp=sharing 📺 Watch the full video episode + visuals on YouTube: 👉 www.youtube.com/@TrendyChinese 💬 Example Sentence:明天不想上班，只想去浪～(I don’t feel like working tomorrow — I just wanna go have fun!) 🎙️ About Trendy Chinese We make modern Mandarin fun, trendy, and real. From viral slang like 吃瓜 (chī guā) to emotional phrases like 白月光 (bái yuè guāng), we decode the words Chinese people actually use — and why they matter. #Chinese slang #learn Mandarin #Gen Z China #Chinese culture #viral Chinese words #trending Mandarin #buzzwords explained #language learning podcast #casual Mandarin #Chinese expressions

    5 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    佛系 (Fó Xì) | The “Whatever” Mindset in Modern Chinese Culture/Slang Term

    佛系 (fó xì) is a popular modern Chinese slang term that describes a calm, low-effort, “go-with-the-flow” attitude toward life. In this episode of TrendyChinese 舌尖上的中文, we break down: What 佛系 really means in daily conversation Why young people use it to describe work, dating, and life How 佛系 compares to English ideas like “whatever,” “chill,” or “low expectations” When using 佛系 sounds natural — and when it doesn’t 🎧 Perfect for Chinese learners who want to understand real-life slang, not textbook Mandarin. ✨ Whether you’re a Mandarin learner, a pop culture fan, or just curious about Chinese Gen Z slang, this episode will help you understand not just the words, but the worldview behind them. 🧠 What You’ll Learn What 佛系 (fó xì) really means — beyond “chill” How it connects to 躺平 and burnout culture Why this mindset became a viral internet rebellion Common real-life expressions using 佛系 How Chinese slang captures Gen Z emotions 📘 Learn the Words Mentioned in This Episode Explore all key phrases, example sentences, and pinyin in our free glossary📖https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oRWLDuPFGKIjVjWnX_Y6gIMBhMspfcZxDSJ4_feTlgI/edit?usp=sharing 📺 Watch the Video Edition on YouTube See the visuals, cultural references, and Chinese text on-screen:🎬 https://youtu.be/_m3IL4Lcsk0?si=HXx_AxGJosQe2a0S 🔗 Related Episodes You’ll Love 👉 割韭菜 (gē jiǔ cài) — The slang that explains “getting played by hype” 💸https://youtu.be/9ewBjjW35ag?si=QxH5oOUk2OA8KtJ7👉 逆天 (nì tiān) — The slang for “too good to be real”https://youtu.be/UsvL-prdqVk?si=dobqC6XpBNe-qnHk In this episode of TrendyChinese 舌尖上的中文, we break down 佛系 fó xì, one of the most defining slang terms of China’s Gen Z era.This phrase — meaning “to stay calm, detached, and drama-free” — reflects how young people navigate pressure, perfectionism, and productivity culture in their own language. Learn Mandarin through real, modern Chinese — and uncover the emotional, cultural, and linguistic layers that make these viral buzzwords so fascinating. 🎧 Listen. Learn. Laugh.💬 TrendyChinese — decoding China’s internet culture, one slang at a time.

    6 min

  8. 11/17/2025

    割韭菜 (gē jiǔ cài): The Chinese Slang for Getting Played 💸

    Ever felt like you’re paying too much for the hype? 👀 This week, we’re decoding one of China’s most viral internet slang words — 割韭菜 (gē jiǔ cài) — literally “cutting leeks,” but used to describe that feeling of being played, milked, or scammed by hype culture, blind boxes, or even capitalism itself. In this episode, we trace how this phrase grew from farmlands → stock markets → today’s consumer world, capturing a mix of humor, irony, and collective helplessness in Chinese Gen Z culture. 🌱💸 🎧 What you’ll learn: The cultural psychology behind “割韭菜” Real-life examples from Labubu to influencer brands English equivalents like “cash cow” and “getting played” How this slang reflects modern Chinese consumer anxie 🗣️ Mandarin-only episode with natural rhythm, clear pronunciation, and intermediate-friendly flow. 🧾 Glossary of key words: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13x_j-x0uKI0RlBidCYKeKenICyto9wZzc68Z1gRtWxc/edit?usp=sharing 📺 Watch the video version: www.youtube.com/@TrendyChinese 💬 Follow TrendyChinese 舌尖上的中文 for more modern Chinese slang, real-life expressions, and pop-culture insights every week. 💡 Best For: Chinese learners curious about modern language Fans of C-dramas, memes, youth slang & pop culture Intermediate learners seeking natural immersion

    5 min
  9. 🎧 What Does 白月光 REALLY Mean in Chinese Slang | Chinese Podcast |Chinese Dialogue

    06/10/2025

    🎧 What Does 白月光 REALLY Mean in Chinese Slang | Chinese Podcast |Chinese Dialogue

    白月光 | The One You Can’t Forget – Trendy Chinese Podcast Is it just a poetic phrase, or does it hold emotional weight in modern life, love, and pop culture?In this episode, we unpack the viral slang “白月光” (bái yuè guāng) — your “white moonlight,” the unforgettable one that got away. You’ll learn:📖 The literal meaning and emotional context🎬 How it's used in dramas and real conversations🧠 Why it’s more than just a metaphor — it’s a mood🗣️ Mandarin-only episode with natural pacing, clear pronunciation, and beginner-friendly structure.👀 Visual learner? Prefer subtitles? Check out the YouTube version with full glossary + cultural notes:▶️ Watch here:YouTube: 白月光 – The One That Got Away | Trendy Chinesehttps://youtu.be/j4Nk1INPyJE📓 Access the glossary of key phrases mentioned in this episode:https://docs.google.com/document/d/13kISlqrt-GgtytsqaQT0_w6v8wKGnXQEcdbvY9EY4JM/edit?usp=sharing💡 Ideal for:Intermediate Chinese learners 🎓Anyone learning slang & emotional expressionsFans of Chinese TV dramas, lyrics, and pop culture🔔 New here?Follow the Trendy Chinese Podcast to get bite-sized slang + cultural deep dives every week.🎙️ Mandarin immersion, explained.🎬 Full visuals & subtitles on YouTube📱 Listen on the go — commute, chill, or dream under your own white moonlight 💭🌕

    4 min
  • 9 Episodes

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Learn real Mandarin through slang, buzzwords & pop culture. Each episode breaks down one trendy phrase — in clear, natural Chinese. 🎬 Watch with visuals on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TrendyChinese Perfect for intermediate learners who want to sound like a native.

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