躺平

tǎng píng

Lying flat — rejecting the rat race, choosing to do the bare minimum instead of overworking.

Origin

Coined in a 2021 viral post by a factory worker who quit his job and traveled on minimal savings, rejecting societal pressure to overachieve.

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What does 躺平 mean? The complete guide — origin, usage, related slang, and cultural context.

Examples

I'm done competing — I'm just going to 躺平.

年轻人选择躺平。(Young people are choosing to lie flat.)

Related terms

那咋了

nà zǎ le

'So what?' / 'What about it?' — a breezy, unbothered verbal shrug from northeastern China that brushes off pressure, criticism, or a perceived shortcoming.

摆烂

bǎi làn

Let it rot — giving up entirely on trying, embracing failure or mediocrity.

干饭人

gān fàn rén

Eating machine / foodie warrior — someone who eats with great enthusiasm and passion.

佛系

fó xì

Buddha-like — having a zen, whatever-happens-happens attitude toward life. Not caring about outcomes.