智商税

• Pinyin: zhì shāng shuì
• Hanzi breakdown: 智商 (IQ) + 税 (tax) -> money lost through poor judgment.

Meaning

Money wasted because of poor judgment, hype, or lack of knowledge. It literally means an intelligence tax.

智商税 is used for overpriced gadgets, miracle products, bad courses, and purchases people regret. It is sharp and can sound insulting if aimed at someone directly.

Examples

1. 这个神器没啥用，纯属智商税。 This miracle gadget is useless, pure 智商税.
2. 我冲动下单，又交智商税了。 I bought it on impulse and paid 智商税 again.
3. 买之前做功课，少交智商税。 Do your homework before buying, and pay less 智商税.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, reviews, consumer advice

Tone: critical, self-mocking

Do Say

• 这个功能不值钱，别交智商税。（This feature is not worth it; do not waste money.）
• 我买错了，就当交智商税。（I bought the wrong thing; lesson learned.）

Don't Say

• 当面说别人交智商税。（It can imply they are stupid.）

Common Mistakes

• Using it for every expensive item; it means the cost is unjustified or hype-driven.

Origin & History

A metaphor that bad judgment makes people pay an extra tax.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s onward

Generation: Online consumers and reviewers

Social background: E-commerce and lifestyle communities

Regional notes: Common in Mainland consumer-warning posts.