The Chinese internet has a whole vocabulary for memes (梗).

Three meme-related words every Mandarin learner needs to know:

• 造梗 (zào gěng) — "create a meme". The moment someone invents a new joke.

• 玩梗 (wán gěng) — "spread a meme". Playing with and spreading a meme.

• 爆梗 (bào gěng) — "viral meme". When it goes viral and takes over the internet.

Example:

The Crying Horse became the viral meme of Spring Festival 2026. 哭哭马成了2026年春节最大的爆梗。

What's your favourite Chinese internet meme?