Ddabai·Ice Cream Assassin... What Are the Top 10 Trending Buzzwords in China This Year?

Yao Wenzhao "Words That Left a Mark on Society"
Including Political Terms Like Chinese-Style Modernization Selected

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] Dabai (大白), Bingchilintseukeo (Ice Cream Assassin·雪?刺客), Jingsonneihao (Mental Exhaustion·精神內耗), Tianhuaban (Ceiling·天花板)…

These are the words that trended this year in Chinese society, which experienced a tumultuous year marked by the spread of COVID-19, strict quarantine policies, and a hegemony war with the United States. The Chinese literary monthly magazine 'Yaowen Jiaozhi (咬文嚼字)' recently announced the top 10 buzzwords that trended in Chinese society this year. Since 1995, Yaowen Jiaozhi has been selecting these words and explained that the chosen terms "reflect the characteristics of the era, inherit the positive energy of the times, and leave a footprint on social life throughout the year."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The most notable word is 'Dabai.' It is a collective term for medical staff and frontline workers wearing white protective suits working at quarantine sites. The media praised them as the "first line of defense" for public health who bravely fought against the epidemic without fear. However, online, some Dabai who violently controlled citizens were criticized as 'Baikwibyeong,' comparable to the 'Red Guards.'

'Bingchilintseukeo' was also a hot term on the internet this year. It describes a situation where one tries to buy ice cream without suspicion in a setting where price tags are not easily visible, only to discover an unimaginable price at the payment stage, metaphorically calling it an 'assassination.' In fact, many popsicle ice creams sold in regular Chinese supermarkets cost over 5,000 won, so picking one without caution can lead to a shocking receipt. Gelato ice cream with two scoops is sold at specialty stores for about 14,000 won.

'Jingsonneihao' became a buzzword after an influencer posted a video in July about the life and daily routine of their second maternal uncle (二舅) living in the countryside. The video titled "On the third day of returning to the countryside, my second maternal uncle cured my mental exhaustion" tells the story of the uncle, who has a disability in one leg, enduring hardships without despair. The video gained tens of millions of views and great popularity, with some critics comparing the creator to China's national writer Yu Hua. It can be seen as a term comparable to the 'healing' trend that once swept Korea.

'Tianhuaban' literally means 'ceiling,' but in Korean terms, it can be interpreted as 'final boss' or 'genius.' In China, people with outstanding appearances are described as having an 'appearance ceiling,' and those with good social skills as having a 'social ceiling.' In Korea, it is similar to expressions like 'face genius' or 'network genius.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Several politically charged words were also included, such as "to strive and move forward bravely (??奮發、勇毅前行)," "Chinese-style modernization (中國式現代化)," and "Xinsaitao (New Track·新賽道)." The media introduced these as expressions frequently appearing in various documents, reports, slogans, and news coverage this year, related to the Communist Party's leadership and revitalization efforts.

Other words reflecting social atmosphere included Nanye (to grasp·拿捏), Tianjinsi (Immersive·?浸式), and Yanhwochee (Vitality·烟火?), which were also selected among the top 10 buzzwords.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.