搭子
dā zi
Activity buddy — a person you pair up with for specific activities (meal buddy, study buddy, travel buddy).
Origin
Became trendy in 2023 as young people sought low-commitment, activity-specific social connections.
Examples
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.)
Related terms
显眼包
xiǎn yǎn bāo
An 'attention-grabber' — a person, animal, or thing that grabs everyone's attention through a loud personality, bold appearance, or conspicuous antics; the class clown or show-off, now usually warm and teasing rather than harsh.
嘴替
zuǐ tì
Literally 'mouth substitute' — someone who voices an opinion exactly the way you wish you could, saying what's in your head but more clearly, bravely, or eloquently; 'they took the words right out of my mouth.'
凡尔赛
fán ěr sài
Humble-bragging — showing off wealth or achievements while pretending to be modest or complaining.
PUA
PUA
Psychological manipulation — used broadly to describe gaslighting, emotional manipulation, or toxic behavior by bosses, partners, etc.