Why Gen Z Keeps Saying “老登 lǎo dēng”? The Chinese Slang Explained | ENG Subs｜年轻人为什么爱说老登

“老登”是什么意思？为什么现在的年轻人越来越爱用这个词？
这一期播客从中文网络文化、代际差异和语言演变的角度，拆解为什么“老登”会从一个东北方言和文学典故，变成当代年轻人用来表达无奈、调侃甚至情绪共鸣的网络流行语。

What does “老登 (lǎo dēng)” really mean in Chinese slang?
In this episode, we break down one of the most talked-about Chinese internet slang terms—why Gen Z keeps saying it, how it evolved online, and why one eye-roll says more than a thousand words.

🎧 What This Episode Covers

This podcast episode explores the Chinese slang 老登 (lǎo dēng)—a viral internet term used by Gen Z to describe outdated thinking, awkward authority figures, and those “here we go again” moments.
If you’re interested in Chinese culture, internet slang, Gen Z language, or modern Mandarin beyond textbooks, this episode is for you.

It's essential for casual conversations or cultural insights! Don't miss out-start impressing your Chinese friends today! updated to modern life example sentences are based on Integrated Chinese Textbook's including practical chinese/grammar tip and vocabulary

🎯 Learn how to say it, where it came from.
👉 Watch till the end for extra slang you can flex on 小红书 or 抖音！
🎯 Learn the real meaning of 老登 (lǎo dēng) and how Chinese youth use it today
🎯 Expand your modern Chinese vocabulary in a fresh, relatable way!

Whether you're a language learner, a culture lover, or just curious about Chinese slang, this quiz is for you! 🧠💬

🔑 Key Moments in This Episode
“第一次听到‘老登’的人，可能会一头雾水，甚至觉得有点冒犯。但它现在确实火得一塌糊涂。”

“这个词听起来就带着一股大茬子味，很多人第一反应是——是不是东北话？”

“现在年轻人口中的‘老登’，已经不完全是在骂人，而是一种带着调侃、无奈和情绪共鸣的称呼。”

📄 Find the complete transcript, pinyin, and a slang glossary in the description links ↓ so you can follow along and boost your Mandarin vocab.👇Grab it here 👇
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l...

00:00 — 什么是「老登」？为什么听起来有点冒犯
What does lǎo dēng mean, and why does it sound awkward at first?

00:38 — 从“一头雾水”到火得一塌糊涂
Why this slang confuses people—and why it suddenly went viral

01:10 — 东北方言 + 大茬子味：老登的语言来源
The Northeastern roots and regional flavor behind “老登”

01:55 — 登徒子、好色与文学典故的历史反转
From classical literature to modern misreading

02:45 — 语言的“吊轨”：意义是如何跑偏的
How slang meanings evolve in unexpected ways

03:25 — 老登现在还算骂人吗？
Is “老登” still an insult today?

04:05 — 年轻人为什么用“老登”表达情绪
Why Gen Z uses this slang to express eye-roll moments

04:45 — 老登 vs OK Boomer：全球代际对照
Chinese slang meets global Gen Z culture

05:20 — 使用边界：线上可以，现实千万别乱用
Where it works—and where it definitely doesn’t

05:50 — 总结：为什么老登能精准戳中当代情绪
Why this slang captures modern feelings so well


👀 If you liked this episode, you’ll love our deep dives into other trending slang:
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What's your favorite Chinese slang? 你最喜欢的中文流行语是什么？
Do you have a question about chinese? 你对中文有任何问题吗？
Drop it in the comments! 欢迎在评论区留言


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This episode is a deep dive into 老登 lǎo dēng, a trending Chinese slang term that reflects Gen Z emotions, internet culture, and generational tension.
Through real examples and cultural context, we explore how modern Chinese slang evolves, why it spreads so fast online, and how language captures feelings that are hard to explain directly.

If you’re learning Mandarin, curious about Chinese internet culture, or want to understand what young people really mean when they talk online—this episode will help you hear Chinese the way it’s actually used today.

If you're interested in learning real Chinese slang, building cultural fluency, and connecting language to real-life situations, you're in the right place.
Welcome to 舌尖上的中文 - where Chinese slang meets real life!
   / @trendychinese