Ever felt like you’re paying too much for the hype? 👀
This week, we’re decoding one of China’s most viral internet slang words — 割韭菜 (gē jiǔ cài) — literally “cutting leeks,” but used to describe that feeling of being played, milked, or scammed by hype culture, blind boxes, or even capitalism itself.

In this episode, we trace how this phrase grew from farmlands → stock markets → today’s consumer world, capturing a mix of humor, irony, and collective helplessness in Chinese Gen Z culture. 🌱💸

🎧 What you’ll learn:

• The cultural psychology behind “割韭菜”

• Real-life examples from Labubu to influencer brands

• English equivalents like “cash cow” and “getting played”

• How this slang reflects modern Chinese consumer anxie

  
  

  🗣️ Mandarin-only episode with natural rhythm, clear pronunciation, and intermediate-friendly flow.
  

🧾 Glossary of key words:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/13x_j-x0uKI0RlBidCYKeKenICyto9wZzc68Z1gRtWxc/edit?usp=sharing

📺 Watch the video version:

www.youtube.com/@TrendyChinese
💬 Follow TrendyChinese 舌尖上的中文 for more modern Chinese slang, real-life expressions, and pop-culture insights every week.

💡 Best For:

• Chinese learners curious about modern language

• Fans of C-dramas, memes, youth slang & pop culture

Intermediate learners seeking natural immersion