In the face of employment difficulties and workplace pressures, netizens recently compiled the latest internet slang in mainland China, with terms such as “牛馬” (literal translation: cattle and horse), “擺爛” (literal translation: hang out), and “四不青年” (literal translation: the four-not youth) gaining widespread attention and quickly spreading on the internet. Analysis suggests that this reflects the current economic challenges, workplace anxieties, and changes in group mentality in society.
In recent times, young people have been expressing their own struggles through self-deprecation and even with a hint of rebellion on WeChat groups and overseas social platforms. In a picture titled “New Terms in the Internet Era,” netizens have gathered 41 popular terms currently in use.
These 41 trending phrases cover various aspects such as workplace survival, social competition, and emotional concepts, ranging from “打工人” (literal translation: working people) to “牛馬” (cattle and horse), from “躺平” (literal translation: lying flat) to “擺爛” (hang out). Particularly, “牛馬” and “擺爛” have attracted attention, showcasing the resignation and resistance of young people towards the current realities.
According to a report by Radio Free Asia on April 9th, a netizen from Jiangsu, Wang Peng, mentioned during an interview that internet slang has always been a mirror of societal emotions. Their emergence often signifies shifts in the group’s mentality, such as a large number of people facing unemployment and hardships. Wang Peng explained, “In many places, salaries are cut, and there is overtime work. Cattle and horses end up being eaten by others in the end, which is more painful. Nowadays, ordinary people are worse off than cattle and horses. It’s too difficult; even for illnesses, people can’t afford treatment. Going to the pharmacy with health insurance card to buy medicine is not reimbursed anymore; they need to go to the hospital to get prescriptions. Regarding anesthesia, if someone is on the operating table and wakes up in pain halfway through, they need more anesthesia. I know someone who experienced this.”
In reference to the slang term “擺爛” (hang out), Jia Lingmin, a former high school teacher from Zhengzhou, mentioned: “It’s hard to find a job now, and even if you find one, you may not receive your salary on time. Some companies can’t even last long. Some young people may think, I work hard, but sometimes I don’t even get paid; might as well not do anything. For instance, some people can’t repay their mortgages, and the bank wants to foreclose on their houses. Right now, I can’t earn money, can’t repay the bank loan, whoever wants to take the house, I have no choice. No one can change the living conditions of the lower class; might as well not try.”
The term “牛馬” (cattle and horse) originates from workplace culture, metaphorically depicting young people being squeezed by high-intensity work, directly highlighting the exploitative nature of work and implying dissatisfaction with capital oppression. On the other hand, “擺爛” (hang out) represents a resistance-oriented passive attitude, indicating that when faced with difficulties or unfair conditions, people choose to completely give up efforts and stop struggling.
Scholar Lu Jun, who is concerned about China’s unemployment issues, stated that the popularity of “擺爛” (hang out), following the trend of “躺平” (lying flat), reflects the discontent among young people in China towards intensified social competition and uneven resource distribution.
He mentioned, “Many young people believe that no matter how hard they try, they find it challenging to change their circumstances. Instead of struggling, they opt for ‘giving up.’ Internet slang that reflects public sentiment spreads rapidly and becomes popular. The fact that these words are currently trending indicates a strong resonance among netizens. Some of these terms may be suppressed by official authorities, but they still circulate widely among the public, highlighting a powerful sense of resonance.”
Another controversial term is “靈活就業” (flexible employment), which is merely an official euphemism to gloss over the severe unemployment crisis. Over the years, the number of graduates in Chinese universities has been on the rise, yet the job market fails to provide enough positions. Faced with a wave of unemployment, the authorities package unstable survival means like “odd jobs,” “food delivery,” and “setting up stalls” as “flexible employment,” attempting to downplay the harsh reality of youth unemployment. However, to many young people, “flexible employment” seems more like a desperate expedient rather than a sustainable career choice.
Lu Jun also mentioned that official media outlets have repeatedly criticized the so-called “lying flat culture” but have been mocked by netizens: “Official media had previously condemned the so-called lying flat culture as negative energy, but they couldn’t stop it because it resonates with the people, it’s a common feeling.”
Aside from workplace and employment issues, the popular slang terms also reflect the general low desire status of contemporary Chinese society. “四不青年” (the four-not youth) – not in love, not married, not buying a house, not having children – has become a lifestyle for many young people.
The term “四不青年” (the four-not youth) started gaining popularity on mainland Chinese networks in March 2023. The emotional build-up and eruption of choosing the “four-not” lifestyle have become a silent yet desperate form of resistance.