Chinese netizens love using letter-based slang in their chats, or in comments on social media posts.

Today let's learn 8 must-know internet slang terms popular in Chinese online culture.

01. XSWL

"XSWL" or 笑死我了can most accurately be translated as "laughing myself to death".

XSWL is the Chinese equivalent of "LOL" and is used to indicate that something is hilariously funny:

这个帖子好搞笑, xswl!
This post is so funny, xswl!

02. YYDS

YYDS, or 永远的神means "eternal God" and describes an outstanding person or thing.

YYDS is similar to the saying GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in English. People often use it to describe someone or something that is the best and will always be revered. It's often used to praise celebrities, or sports stars.

周杰伦的音乐YYDS!
Jay Chou's music is the GOAT!

03. ZQSG

"ZQSG" or 真情实感stands for "true feelings and genuine emotions."

This term is used when someone expresses genuine emotions, it's often seen in fan communities discussing their favorite stars or shows.

《繁华》这部电视剧太zqsg了！
The series "Blossoms Shanghai" is so zqsg!

04. WML

我没了, which translates to "I can't handle it," is a common slang among netizens:

WML is used when encountering something or someone so beautiful that it leaves one speechless.

她穿的衣服太美了, wml!
The clothes she wears are so beautiful, wml!

05. NSDD

NSDD, or 你说得对is widely used in online chats and text messages, and it's a quick way to agree with what has been said before.
After a heavy rain, the air turns cool and pleasant. Here's how to say it in Chinese:

Nsdd, 我们该早点出发。
Nsdd, we should leave early.

06. 栓Q

栓Q  is a popular internet term that mimics the sound of the English phrase "thank you" using Chinese characters.
"栓Q" became popular after Liu Tao, a farmer from Yangshuo, Guilin, used it in a funny video introducing the local scenery. The video ended with "welcome to Guilin, welcome to Yangshuo, thank you" and the funny pronunciation quickly became a popular meme online.

07. BDJW

不懂就问is a useful phrase for asking a question when chatting. It's similar to saying "just curious" or "let me ask" in English.
You can use BDJW to ask questions without hesitation:

Bdjw, 这道菜是怎么做的？
Bdjw, how is this dish made?

08. 芭比Q了

芭比Q了is a homophone for "barbecue", in online slang it means "to screw up", or "to be done for".

This phrase gained popularity from a video game stream by Chinese Doyin creator - after being killed by an enemy he yelled:

完了，完了，芭比Q了!
I'm finished, destroyed, BBQ'ed!