梗

• Pinyin: gěng
• Hanzi breakdown: 梗 is a fixed internet noun meaning meme/reference rather than its literal plant-stem sense.

Meaning

梗 means a meme, running joke, or cultural reference.

It is used for shared references that require context to understand, from variety shows to games and social media. A 梗 can be fresh, old, niche, or overused.

Examples

1. 这个梗太冷，新同学没听懂。 This 梗 was so obscure that the new student didn't get it.
2. 弹幕全在刷同一个梗。 Everyone in the bullet comments kept spamming the same 梗.
3. 别把普通笑话都叫梗。 Don't call every ordinary joke a 梗.

Usage Guide

Context: memes, comments, entertainment

Tone: referential, playful, context-dependent

Do Say

• 需要背景知识的笑点可叫梗。（It fits shared references.）
• 综艺名场面常变成梗。（Shows often generate memes.）

Don't Say

• 把任何笑话都叫梗。（A 梗 usually has repeatable context.）

Common Mistakes

• Do not confuse 梗 with 哏 in pronunciation; this slang is read gěng.

Origin & History

The word entered Mainland internet usage through entertainment and online communities as a label for meme-like references.

Cultural Context

Era: 2020s

Generation: All active internet users

Social background: Online communities, fandoms, gamers

Regional notes: Very common in Mainland Chinese internet culture.