Social & Relationships2023informal

搭子

dā zi

Activity buddy — a person you pair up with for specific activities (meal buddy, study buddy, travel buddy).

Origin & Background

Became trendy in 2023 as young people sought low-commitment, activity-specific social connections.

I need a 饭搭子 (meal buddy) for lunch today.

找个学习搭子一起去图书馆。(Looking for a study buddy to go to the library together.)

fán ěr sài

Humble-bragging — showing off wealth or achievements while pretending to be modest or complaining.

Psychological manipulation — used broadly to describe gaslighting, emotional manipulation, or toxic behavior by bosses, partners, etc.

xiù ēn ài

Showing off affection / PDA — couples who publicly display their relationship in an over-the-top way.

jī wá

Tiger parenting on steroids — pushing children extremely hard academically with endless tutoring and activities.