REAL INTERNET CHINESE
old iron
buddy, bro, a hearty term of address from northern livestream culture
- 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
Say it greeting friends in chat or thanking a stream audience, thanks laotie for the gift. Warm and rough around the edges, Kuaishou flavored.
Hear it in the wild
Lǎotiě, bāng ge máng bei.
Bro, do me a favor.
Gǎnxiè lǎotiě sòng de lǐwù!
Thanks for the gift, buddy!
Quick answers
What does 老铁 mean?
buddy, bro, a hearty term of address from northern livestream culture
When do people say 老铁?
Say it greeting friends in chat or thanking a stream audience, thanks laotie for the gift. Warm and rough around the edges, Kuaishou flavored.
When should you not say 老铁?
It is very northern bro energy. Calling a stranger, a woman senior to you, or a client laotie can land as overly familiar or just weird.
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