Linguistic expressions of despondency: an investigation of Sangness-related Chinese catchwords

Abstract Catchwords, as important social and cultural symbols, are the barometer of a country’s society and culture. In China, various catchwords are coined and used every year by Chinese people, especially the young. Of these catchwords, one particular type that expresses despondency or Sangness is increasingly gaining scholarly attention. This study takes a socio-linguistic approach to investigating the most frequently used Sangness-related Chinese catchwords in the past ten years. By examining the annual top ten catchwords selected by Biting Words and Chewing Words between 2013 and 2022, it finds that the most frequently used Sangness-related Chinese catchwords in the past decade have been (1) Ge You Slouch, (2) feeling awful and wanting to cry, (3) Buddha-like, (4) 996 work schedule, (5) life is too hard for me, (6) laborer, (7) involution, (8) lying flat, and (9) mental internal friction. These catchwords mainly serve the functions of deconstructing mainstream values, expressing self-mockery, and seeking value recognition. The development of these Sangness-related catchwords is characterized by an increasing diversity and a stronger applicability.