REAL INTERNET CHINESE
the very top of the stream
an A-list star or creator whose every move trends by default
- Who can you say it to?
- Safe with anyone Fine at work, fine with your partner's parents.
- 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
The handful of names that sell out stadiums, crash ticketing sites and sign brand deals before breakfast. Below them: first tier, second tier, then 'used to be'. Entertainment news, marketing talk and dinner-table debate about who actually deserves it. A neutral industry term, safe in almost any conversation.
Hear it in the wild
Tā xiànzài shì dǐngliú, piào miǎo méi.
He is A-list now, tickets vanish in seconds.
Dǐngliú tāfáng, pǐnpái liányè chè guǎnggào.
The A-lister's scandal broke, brands pulled ads overnight.
Quick answers
What does 顶流 mean?
an A-list star or creator whose every move trends by default
When do people say 顶流?
The handful of names that sell out stadiums, crash ticketing sites and sign brand deals before breakfast. Below them: first tier, second tier, then 'used to be'. Entertainment news, marketing talk and dinner-table debate about who actually deserves it. A neutral industry term, safe in almost any conversation.
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