TELLING THEM APART

What is the difference between niubi, juele and hangbaole?

All three mean amazing, but they differ in rudeness and freshness. Niubi is the strongest and has a swear baked in, for close friends only. Juele is the safe everyday one, and said flatly it turns sarcastic. Hangbaole is the newest, the current young and online way to call something hype.

牛逼niúbī

cow vagina, yes, the word is built from an actual crude term

The strongest of the three, and the only one with a real swear inside it.

Pick it when Pick it with close friends your age when someone pulls off something genuinely impressive. Never with elders, teachers or clients.

Close friends onlySettled in

绝了jué le

severed, cut off, meaning beyond compare

The all purpose one: sincere praise when warm, pure sarcasm when flat.

Pick it when Pick it anywhere casual, about food, skills or absurdity. Your tone of voice decides whether it praises or roasts.

Friends and coworkersSettled in

夯爆了hāng bào le

rammed to bursting, from ramming earth solid

The newest of the three, current slang for hype that actually delivers.

Pick it when Pick it with young, online crowds about concerts, games or a meal that delivers. It marks you as up to date.

Friends and coworkersHot right now

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