Chinese athlete Zheng Haohao competes in the preliminary round of the women's park skateboarding event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Summer Games on August 6 (XINHUA)

Shanghai-based language and literature magazine Yaowen Jiaozi, literally meaning "biting phrases and chewing characters," recently unveiled its Top 10 Chinese Buzzwords for 2024. Released on December 2, the list spotlights linguistic trends that reflect societal changes.

The selection includes terms like "digital intelligence" and "AI for good," showcasing the influence of artificial intelligence (AI).

"Digital intelligence" refers to the integration of advanced intelligent technologies into digital systems to boost productivity, streamline resource management and foster innovation. Meanwhile, "AI for good" underscores the ethical responsibility of developing AI to benefit humanity, fuel industrial transformation, drive the economy, improve societal conditions, and promote sustainability.

Huang Anjing, Editor in Chief of Yaowen Jiaozi, told Dazhong Daily newspaper that the annual buzzword selection aims to capture wide-ranging shifts in politics, the economy, culture and daily life.

This year, the role of AI in sparking societal and industrial revolutions is evident, reflected in the popularity of terms like "generative AI" and "deep learning."

Huang also brought up the rising influence of Generation Z. The strong performance of Chinese Gen Z athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, coupled with their confident attitude, gave rise to affectionate terms like "kid-bro/kid-sis," now widely used as a mark of respect. 

Interestingly, the 2024 list captures the realities of modern life with contrasting terms like "the smell of toil" and "a state of relaxation." While rapid development and workplace pressures leave many exhausted, people actively pursue leisure and peace of mind to counterbalance the stress.

Short video platforms, particularly Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, have become major incubators for new buzzwords. One catchphrase born on such a platform is "city bu city?"—meaning "city or not city?" The phrase went viral on Douyin after Shanghai-based American influencer Paul Mike Ashton, also known as "Bao Bao Xiong" on the platform, playfully asked his sister this question during a visit to the Great Wall. With "city" used as an adjective, the phrase questions whether a place embodies the stylishness typically associated with a metropolis.

According to Huang, the linguistic creativity on short-video platforms has reached unprecedented levels, particularly among younger generations. The ease of posting content on these platforms allows for the swift exchange of ideas, leading to the spontaneous creation and popularization of new terms. On the downside, it's harder to regulate potentially problematic language.

A visitor interacts with a humanoid robot at the Light of Internet Expo on November 19 in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province. The expo was a part of the 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, held from November 19 to 22 under the theme Embracing a People-Centered and AI-for-Good Digital Future—Building a Community With a Shared Future in Cyberspace (XINHUA)

Top 10 Buzzwords for 2024

Shuzhihua (Digital Intelligence)

This term refers to the integration of advanced intelligent technologies, such as machine learning, into digital systems to enhance productivity and drive industrial transformation. The Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization, adopted during the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in July, encourages enterprises to embrace digital, intelligent and green technologies to transform and upgrade traditional industries.

Zhineng Xiangshan (AI for Good)

This phrase highlights the ethical development and use of AI, with a focus on benefiting humanity. At the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in October 2023, China proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative, which emphasizes a people-centered approach to AI development and reinforces the principle of advancing AI for the greater good.

Weilai Chanye (Future Industries)

This concept refers to technologically advanced, emerging industries such as quantum communication and nuclear fusion. During an inspection tour of Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, in September 2023, President Xi Jinping stressed the need to integrate technological innovation resources to spur the development of strategic emerging industries.

He called for accelerating the formation of innovation-driven, new quality productive forces. These forces relate to China's economic pivot toward innovation-driven growth, technological advancement and high-quality development across different sectors, a shift that aligns with the country's new development philosophy underscoring innovative, coordinated, green, open and inclusive development for all.

City Bu City (City or Not City)

Popularized by American vlogger Bao Bao Xiong on Douyin in early summer, the expression "City bu city?" quickly started trending. This coincided with a remarkable uptick in inbound tourism to China, driven by post-pandemic visa policies boosting travel to the country. Foreign travelers exclaiming "So city!" reflected an admiration for China's modern urban landscapes. On July 4, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, speaking of the popularity of the expression, stated that China would continue optimizing tourism-facilitation measures to make travel in the country easier and more comfortable for international visitors.

Ying Kong (Hard Control)

Originally, "hard control" referred to in-game mechanics that temporarily disable a player's ability to control their characters. However, it has since evolved to describe experiences that fully captivate one's attention.

The phrase now means having a deep fascination with or an irresistible attraction to things such as food, scenery or engaging conversations. Expressions like "X hard-controlled me for Y seconds/minutes" reflect total immersion in the experience.

Shuilingling de (Energetic or Shiny)

Used to describe people or things with vibrant energy, "shuilingling de" is often employed humorously and self-deprecatingly by Chinese netizens, lending their descriptions a dramatic flair. For instance, one might say, "I was shuilingling de fired."

Ban Wei (The Smell of Toil)

This expression vividly illustrates the intense pressure and exhaustion experienced by office workers, especially younger generations. It highlights the psychological and emotional toll of demanding work environments. Some young individuals humorously remark on their once youthful appearances, now marred by fatigue, pale complexions, lackluster eyes and thinning hairlines. The popularity of the phrase has prompted reflection among young professionals, as well as sparked heated online (and offline) discussions on work-life balance.

Songchigan (A State of Relaxation)

This phrase is all about a calm and composed response to pressure. The 2024 Paris Olympics further solidified its significance as China's Gen Z athletes demonstrated a relaxed demeanor, even in the face of intense competition. This approach contributed to their remarkable success.

Yinfa Liliang (Silver-Hair Power)

This expression underlines the contributions of the elderly to society. On October 9, two days ahead of the Double Ninth Festival, China's Seniors' Day, President Xi responded to senior volunteers from the Silver Age Action initiative.

Launched in 2003, this program leverages the expertise of senior professionals from different fields to support development in underprivileged areas. In his letter, Xi encouraged the seniors to maintain a positive and active outlook, enjoy life, and continue their pursuits, contributing their "silver-hair power" to China's modernization.

This message has also spurred greater interest in related concepts, such as the "silver-hair market" and the "silver economy."

Xiaohai ge/Xiaohai jie (Kid-bro/Kid-sis)

These concepts reflect the energy and promise of the younger generations. The exceptional performances of young Chinese athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics demonstrated that age is no obstacle to extraordinary achievements. For instance, 11-year-old Chinese athlete Zheng Haohao, who confidently competed in skateboarding events, became affectionately known as xiaohai jie during the Games.

(Print Edition Title: Chewing Over Linguistic Shifts)

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

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