创业狗
Startup Dog / Entrepreneurship Slave
chuàngyè gǒu
A self-mocking label worn proudly (and painfully) by Chinese startup founders and early employees. Like calling yourself a 'hustler' but with far more sleep deprivation and instant noodles. The '狗' (dog) suffix signals cheerful self-deprecation — you're loyal, overworked, and possibly sleeping under your desk. It captured the bittersweet grind of China's startup boom: chasing dreams on a shoestring while rivals raised millions.
2015 classic workplaceself-deprecation
小公举
Little Princess / Precious Little Royalty
xiǎo gōng jǔ
A playful phonetic twist on 小公主 (xiǎo gōngzhǔ, 'little princess'), swapping one character to create a slightly silly-sounding nickname. Used to teasingly describe someone — male or female — who acts spoiled, delicate, or high-maintenance in an endearing way. Think of calling a drama-prone friend your 'precious royal.' It can be affectionate praise or gentle ribbing, and became a staple in fan communities for doting on idols or cute celebrities.
2015 classic fandomlifestyle
北京瘫
Beijing Collapse / Beijing Slouch
Běijīng tān
The 'Beijing Collapse' describes that boneless, half-melted posture you slip into after a soul-crushing day — think slouching so deeply into a couch, chair, or subway seat that your spine seems to have quietly resigned. It's equal parts lifestyle aesthetic and exhausted protest: a body that has given everything to the grind and now refuses to hold itself upright. Perfect for photographing yourself draped over furniture like a deflated stress toy.
2015 classic lifestyleself-deprecation
霸道总裁
Domineering CEO / Overbearing President
bàdào zǒngcái
Picture a chiseled billionaire CEO who grabs your wrist in the rain, growls 'You belong to me,' and somehow that passes for romance. The 'Domineering CEO' is a wildly popular trope from Chinese web novels and idol dramas — a controlling, filthy-rich alpha male who melts for one ordinary girl. The phrase got ironic mileage as Chinese netizens started using it to mock power-tripping bosses, absurd workplace demands, and anyone who confused arrogance with charisma.
2015 classic romancefandom