From 破防 to 躺平: 7 Chinese Buzzwords for the Feelings You Can’t Quite Name Textbook Chinese gives you 高兴, 难过, 生气 — useful, but not always enough. On Chinese social media, people reach for a different vocabulary: words that capture very specific, very modern feelings. The sting of a harsh comment. The embarrassment of a message sent to the wrong group chat. The quiet decision to stop hustling. The joy of watching drama unfold while eating a snack. 破防 pò fáng Literally “defense broken.” Used when something hits you so hard emotionally that your composure cracks — either you’re devastated (bad news, a harsh comment, a setback) or you’re unexpectedly moved to tears. 社死 shè sǐ The acute embarrassment of having something humiliating witnessed by others — sending a private message to the wrong group chat, tripping in front of a crowd. 躺平 tǎng píng Literally “lie flat.” A deliberate choice to stop striving — not laziness, but opting out of relentless competition. You still do what’s necessary, but you refuse to chase promotions, hustle for status. 吃瓜 chī guā Literally “eating melon.” Watching drama or gossip unfold from the sidelines without getting involved — like snacking on watermelon while spectating. Used when you’re following a good story but have no stake in it. 打脸 dǎ liǎn Literally “slap the face.” When a confident prediction, boast, or statement is proven wrong by subsequent events — the person is “slapped in the face” by reality. 摸鱼 mō yú Literally “catching fish.” Slacking off during work or class — browsing your phone, chatting, pretending to be busy while doing something else. It carries a playful, mild tone rather than serious condemnation. 电子榨菜 diàn zǐ zhà cài Literally “electronic pickled vegetables.” Videos, shows, or podcasts you watch while eating alone — easy background entertainment that makes the meal more enjoyable.