REAL INTERNET CHINESE
to touch fish
to slack off at work while looking busy
- 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
Scrolling your phone, shopping online, or chatting during work hours while the boss thinks you are working. Say it about yourself with a grin, or tease a coworker with it. Everywhere in office chat, just never admit it upward.
Hear it in the wild
Shàngbān shíjiān bié mōyú le.
Stop slacking off during work hours.
Xiàwǔ méishì, mōyú bàn xiǎoshí.
Slow afternoon, so I slacked off for half an hour.
Quick answers
What does 摸鱼 mean?
to slack off at work while looking busy
When do people say 摸鱼?
Scrolling your phone, shopping online, or chatting during work hours while the boss thinks you are working. Say it about yourself with a grin, or tease a coworker with it. Everywhere in office chat, just never admit it upward.
When should you not say 摸鱼?
Joking with peers is fine, but never say it to your boss, about yourself or anyone else.
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