REAL INTERNET CHINESE
the stretched-taut face cannot be held any longer
the laugh or tears you were suppressing is about to burst out
- Who can you say it to?
- Friends and coworkers Normal among people your own age. Skip it with elders, clients and officials.
- Out loud, or only typed?
- Say it or type it Works out loud and in chat.
- Is it still used?
- Settled in Past the fad stage, part of everyday speech.
When to say it
In a solemn meeting someone's slide has a typo from hell and you pinch your leg, texting your mate under the table: I can't hold it. Also for tears: at a farewell dinner your throat gives up first. Spoken mid-giggle or typed mid-crisis, always on the edge of losing it.
Hear it in the wild
Bié dòu le, wǒ kuài běng bú zhù le.
Stop it, I'm about to lose it.
Tā yì kāikǒu wǒ jiù běng bú zhù le.
The moment he started talking I cracked up.
Quick answers
What does 绷不住了 mean?
the laugh or tears you were suppressing is about to burst out
When do people say 绷不住了?
In a solemn meeting someone's slide has a typo from hell and you pinch your leg, texting your mate under the table: I can't hold it. Also for tears: at a farewell dinner your throat gives up first. Spoken mid-giggle or typed mid-crisis, always on the edge of losing it.
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