to roll inward
Still competing, still exhausted, nobody actually winning.
Pick it when Use it about a system: an industry, a school, an office. It describes the machine, not the person.
TELLING THEM APART
What is the difference between neijuan, tangping and bailan?
They are three points on one story about giving up. Neijuan is still running the race and hating it. Tangping is stepping off the track on purpose and being at peace with less. Bailan is staying on the track and letting the whole thing rot, usually with a shrug and a joke.
to lie flat
Opting out on purpose, and at peace with it.
Pick it when Use it about a choice someone made. It carries a hint of dignity, so people say it about themselves without shame.
to put the rot on display
Not opting out, just letting it fall apart.
Pick it when Use it about a specific thing you have stopped maintaining. It is funnier and more self mocking than tangping, and slightly more defeatist.
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