破梗

• Pinyin: pò gěng
• Hanzi breakdown: 破 (break) + 梗 (joke / meme) -> break the joke setup.

Meaning

To spoil, expose, or ruin the setup of a joke or meme.

It happens when someone explains too early, says the answer, or interrupts the rhythm. The tone is usually annoyed but light.

Examples

1. 别提前破梗，等他说完。 Don't spoil the 破梗 early; let him finish.
2. 你一解释，整个段子就破梗了。 Once you explain it, the whole joke is ruined.
3. 弹幕太快破梗，后面没惊喜。 The comments spoiled the 破梗 too quickly, so there was no surprise left.

Usage Guide

Context: comments, group chats, entertainment

Tone: annoyed, playful

Do Say

• 朋友剧透笑点时说别破梗。（Tell someone not to spoil the bit.）

Don't Say

• 把认真澄清事实都叫破梗。（Sometimes explanation is needed.）

Common Mistakes

• Confusing it with 玩梗; 破梗 ruins the joke, 玩梗 uses it.

Origin & History

From 破 meaning break or spoil, plus 梗 as joke point.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s-2020s

Generation: Students, Gen Z, and young office workers

Social background: Urban internet users

Regional notes: Common in livestream comments where timing can make or ruin humor.