1. #1Yi Yan Dingzhen

   Keys: Dingzhen, 一眼丁真

   一眼丁真 (Yī Yǎn Dīngzhēn)

   • Year: 2020s
   • Type: Image Macro, Catchphrase

   About:

   一眼丁真 (Yī Yǎn Dīngzhēn) memes use a modified image of Dingzhen, often with cybernetic enhancements, paired with ironic text following the format "一眼[Modified Dingzhen] (Yī Yǎn [Modified Dingzhen]), [Assessment]: [Ironic Outcome]." The phrase roughly translates to "looks like [Modified Dingzhen] at first glance," or sarcastically, "Yep, it's 'real' after you take a look."

   Intention:

   These memes satirize various situations by juxtaposing the image of Dingzhen, initially presented as a symbol of innocence, with ironic and often absurd scenarios. It is a way to express sarcasm, highlight underperformance, or critique perceived inauthenticity.

   Origin:

   The meme emerged from the broader Dingzhen meme phenomenon. After the initial controversy surrounding Dingzhen's rise to fame and the subsequent backlash against the "innocence" narrative, the 一眼丁真 format became a popular way to express irony related to various topics.

   Example:

   • Image of Dingzhen with a cybernetic eye and the text "一眼赛博丁真 (Yī Yǎn Sàibó Dīngzhēn), Identification: Not Real." (Cyborg Dingzhen)
   • Image of Dingzhen in a doctor's coat with the text "一眼医生丁真 (Yī Yǎn Yīshēng Dīngzhēn), Diagnosis: Braindead." (Doctor Dingzhen)
   • Image of Dingzhen dressed as a wealthy industrialist with the text "一眼亿万富翁丁真 (Yī Yǎn Yìwàn Fùwēng Dīngzhēn), Rate: Underperformance." (Billionaire Dingzhen)
2. #2Sun Xiaochuan

   Keys: Sun Xiaochuan

   Here's a breakdown of the Sun Xiaochuan meme into its three distinct usages, formatted as requested:

   Sun Xiaochuan (孙笑川) - The Universal Evil-Doer

   • Year: 2010s (specifically around 2015 onwards)
   • Type: Catchphrase

   About:

   Sun Xiaochuan's name is used as a generic label for any character revealed to be a mastermind behind evil plots, especially in poorly written narratives.

   Intention:

   To express dissatisfaction with a storyline or character by associating them with a figure of internet ridicule and negativity. It serves as shorthand for a poorly conceived or unsatisfying villain.

   Origin:

   Stems from the general negativity surrounding the Sun Xiaochuan persona. His association with vulgarity and perceived bad behavior made him a fitting scapegoat for fictional villains.

   Example:

   • A newly revealed, poorly written arch-villain in a video game being dubbed "the [Game Name] Sun Xiaochuan."

   Sun Xiaochuan (孙笑川) - The "Japanese Emperor" Stand-in

   • Year: 2010s (specifically around 2015 onwards)
   • Type: Image Element, Catchphrase

   About:

   Sun Xiaochuan's image and the title "Japanese Emperor" (Mikado) are used ironically as substitutes for Imperial Japanese figures or symbols, often to circumvent censorship or express disdain.

   Intention:

   To avoid censorship related to Imperial Japan, to ironically distance oneself from any positive association with Imperial Japan, or simply for humorous effect.

   Origin:

   The association likely arose from the ironic "fandom" surrounding Sun Xiaochuan, where users jokingly attribute exaggerated evil deeds to him. The "Japanese Emperor" title adds another layer of absurdity and helps distance the usage from genuine reverence for Imperial Japan.

   Example:

   • A War Thunder video about a new Japanese tank titled "The Japanese Emperor leads an assault himself in tank," with a portrait of Sun Xiaochuan in the corner.

   Sun Xiaochuan (孙笑川) - The "PS Bar Corpse"

   • Year: 2010s (specifically around 2015 onwards)
   • Type: Image Element

   About:

   Within "PS Bar" (a sub-tieba similar to r/photoshop), users insert Sun Xiaochuan's face subtly into images as a form of inside joke and a test of creative photo editing skills. This is often referred to as "body-disposing."

   Intention:

   To participate in a community inside joke, demonstrate photo editing prowess by seamlessly inserting Sun Xiaochuan's likeness, and contribute to the absurd humor of the "PS Bar" community.

   Origin:

   Started within the "PS Bar" community, likely originating from a single instance that became a running gag and eventually a tradition. The "corpse" label adds to the dark humor and absurdity, contrasting with Sun Xiaochuan's living status.

   Example:

   • A user requesting a photo edit on "PS Bar" receives their image back with Sun Xiaochuan's face subtly blended into the background, accompanied by comments like "No corpse here please."
3. #3Hachimi

   Keys: hajimi, hachimi

   Hachimi: From Misunderstood Honey to Derogatory Cat Name

   "Hachimi" (ハチミ), meaning "honey water" in Japanese, gained notoriety in Chinese cyberspace through a misinterpretation of a song from the anime "Uma Musume." Initially mistaken for a term meaning "cute animals," attempts to clarify its true meaning led to online clashes and escalating toxicity.

   Following these "trolling battles," "Hachimi" found a new life as a derogatory term for cats, particularly in videos showcasing cats engaging in undesirable behaviors (spreading disease, endangering other species, or simply being unfriendly). "Hachimi" replaces the standard word for cat ("猫" - māo) in these contexts.

   Finally, due to its unusual sound in Chinese, "Hachimi" has become a popular audio sample in Chinese OtoMAD videos, echoing the Japanese meme genre of remixing existing media into new musical creations similar to Western "YouTube Poop Music Videos" (YTPMVs).

4. #4Ji Ni Taimei

   Keys: Jinitamei, Ji Ni Taimei

   鸡你太美 (Ji Ni Taimei): The Enduring Meme Mocking Cai Xukun

   The "鸡你太美" (Ji Ni Taimei) meme, a persistent and evolving phenomenon, targets Chinese pop idol Cai Xukun. Originating from a self-promotional video Cai Xukun posted on Bilibili, the meme gained traction due to the site's general disdain for pop idols and some genuinely awkward moments captured in the video.

   Key elements of the meme's evolution:

   • The Misheard Lyric: The phrase "只因你太美" (zhǐ yīn nǐ tài měi - only because you're so beautiful) from the song's lyrics was too-easily misheard as "鸡你太美" (jī nǐ tài měi - chicken, you're too beautiful), which, coupled with some oddly timed dance moves, became the meme's foundation.

   • OtoMADs and Soundbites: Like other memes, OtoMADs (remixed music videos similar to YTPMVs) played a crucial role in its spread. The isolated "鸡" soundbite became a ubiquitous stand-in for chicken in these creations.

   • Pervasive Imagery and "Kunkun": The meme's visuals spread rapidly, with people finding or fabricating Cai Xukun's likeness everywhere, similar to the "Loss" meme. The nicknames "Kunkun" and "Kun," derived from Cai Xukun's name, became synonymous with chickens, further cementing the association.

   • Cease and Desist Fueling the Fire: Legal threats from Cai Xukun's representatives, intended to quell the meme, ironically only amplified its popularity, framing the situation as a David-vs-Goliath struggle against the entertainment industry.

   • Merchandise and Continued Relevance: The meme's longevity is evident in the availability of merchandise, such as plushies of a chicken dressed as Cai Xukun playing basketball, demonstrating its enduring presence in online culture.

   In short, "鸡你太美" evolved from a misheard lyric into a multifaceted meme mocking Cai Xukun, fueled by OtoMADs, creative visual interpretations, and the Streisand effect of attempted legal suppression. Its persistence showcases the unpredictable and often absurd nature of internet culture.

5. #5Hell Jokes

   Keys: Hell Jokes

   Hell Joke (地狱笑话 - dìyù xiàohuà)

   • Year: Unknow - present
   • Type: Content Catchphrase, Image Macro

   About:

   Hell Jokes are a form of dark humor that often revolve around sensitive or tragic events, typically involving death, disaster, or crime. The humor derives from the inappropriateness and darkness of the subject matter, often employing subtle irony and wordplay. The name suggests that understanding and finding these jokes funny is morally questionable, hence the implication of "going to hell."

   Intention:

   Hell Jokes are used to provoke reactions, test boundaries, and express a cynical or morbid sense of humor. They can also be used as a form of social commentary, albeit a controversial one.

   Origin:

   The exact origin is unclear, but the concept has existed for a long time. The Chinese term 地獄笑話 (dìyù xiàohuà) itself directly translates to "hell joke," highlighting the inherent moral transgression associated with the humor. The online proliferation and categorization of these jokes likely contributed to their recognition as a distinct meme. (Further research needed to pinpoint a more specific origin.)

   Example:

   • A keychain featuring John F. Kennedy with the text "Open your mind" (做人要脑洞大开, literally - it's good to open a door for your brain), playing on the head wound Kennedy sustained during his assassination.
   • A picture of Donald Trump meeting Shinzo Abe captioned "The meeting between the US presidential candidate and the former Japanese Prime Minister was canceled at the last minute," referencing Abe's assassination and Trump‘'s survival of an attempt.
   • Various memes featuring Kobe Bryant and helicopters, alluding to his death in a helicopter crash.
   • Listing Japanese cities with their highest temperatures, giving Hiroshima and Nagasaki exaggeratedly high temperatures (6000°C) to represent the atomic bombings.
6. #6Lightning Tornado Chop

   Keys: Lightning Tornado Chop

   Lightning Tornado Chop: A Hell Joke Meme with Deep Cultural Resonance

   "闪电旋风劈" (Lightning Tornado Chop) is a widely popular Chinese internet meme that combines elements of dark humor and nostalgia. The meme features a scene from the Chinese cartoon, where the orange-colored helicopter robot character "龙卷风" (Tornado Dragon) uses his special attack, "闪电旋风劈." However, in this meme, the robot's head is replaced with a smiling face of Kobe Bryant, accompanied by the line "哼，想逃？闪电旋风劈" (Hmph, want to run? Lightning Tornado Chop).

   Key aspects of the 闪电旋风劈 meme:

   • Hell Joke Elements: The meme references Kobe Bryant's tragic death in a helicopter crash, amplifying the dark humor by combining the victim with the cause. This juxtaposition of a beloved athlete with a violent attack is a hallmark of hell jokes, pushing the boundaries of what is considered appropriate humor.
   • Retro Core Aesthetic: The crude techniques used to create the meme, along with the colorful visuals from the original cartoon, give it a retro core aesthetic. This accidental similarity to vintage animation adds an extra layer of charm, making it appealing to those who appreciate nostalgic and retro aesthetics.
   • Nostalgic Appeal: "龙卷风" (Tornado Dragon) was from a popular cartoon in China during its time, and many current meme enthusiasts likely watched it in their childhood. This shared cultural memory adds a layer of nostalgia and emotional connection to the meme.
   • Subtle Themes and Symbolism: The smiling face of Kobe Bryant can be interpreted as a form of "sneering at death," evoking a sense of defiance and resilience. Additionally, the attacking pose of Kobe might resonate with the Chinese cultural concept of "索命冤魂" (vengeful spirit), where the deceased return to seek justice or revenge.
   • Versatile Usage: The associated line "哼，想逃？闪电旋风劈" (Hmph, want to run? Lightning Tornado Chop) makes the meme versatile and easy to integrate into various contexts. It can be used in situations like MOBA battles, where characters use two-bladed or electric attacks, or in any scenario where a decisive and powerful move is needed.

   Conclusion

   In summary, the 闪电旋风劈 meme thrives on a unique blend of dark humor, nostalgia, and cultural symbolism. It serves as a running joke that resonates with a broad audience, particularly those who grew up watching "龙卷风" on TV and have a deep connection to the legacy of Kobe Bryant. Despite its controversial nature, the meme's popularity underscores the complex and often contradictory nature of internet humor.

7. #7Guangdong Cockroach

   Keys: 广东蟑螂, Guangdong Cockroach

   Guangdong Cockroach (广东蟑螂 - Guǎngdōng zhāngláng)

   • Year: 2020s (specifically from around 2021)
   • Type: Image Macro, Catchphrase

   About:

   This meme uses the Periplaneta americana (American cockroach) as a symbol of Guangdong province. It plays on the shock and surprise northerners experience when encountering these large, flying cockroaches, which are more common in southern China. The meme has expanded to encompass anything resembling a cockroach, often exaggerating its size and associating it with Guangdong.

   Intention:

   Primarily used for humorous effect, playing on regional stereotypes and the unexpected encounter with a large insect. It can also be used to express surprise or disgust at anything cockroach-like.

   Origin:

   Originated from online discussions about the difference in cockroach sizes between northern and southern China, with Guangdong becoming the focus due to the prevalence of Periplaneta americana. The meme gained traction as images and videos of large cockroaches, often exaggerated or misidentified, were shared online.

   Example:

   • A photoshopped image of a gigantic cockroach in a kitchen with text about Guangdong cockroaches being worried and making Cantonese food to comfort you.
   • A poorly lit photo of lobsters making them resemble giant cockroaches, labeled as "Guangdong Gourment."
   • A video of a cardboard car covered in cockroaches moving, described as a "Guangdong vehicle."
   • An aerial photo of Baiyun International Airport at night, its illuminated outline resembling a cockroach, being referred to as "the biggest cockroach in Guangdong."
8. #8Dump (not used)disabled

   Dingzhen Meme Explained: From Innocence to Irony

   Dingzhen, whose Tibetan name is Tenzin Tsundue, became a viral sensation in China despite his humble beginnings as a nearly illiterate Khampa Tibetan youth from Litang, Sichuan. His rise to fame, however, was met with controversy and quickly became a breeding ground for memes.

   Key aspects of the Dingzhen phenomenon and resulting memes:

   • Controversy over Unearned Fame: Dingzhen's sudden success, widely believed to be orchestrated by the government, sparked resentment, especially in a culture that values meritocracy. Many felt his lack of formal education and perceived unearned opportunities mocked their own hard work.

   • The "Innocence" Campaign Backfires: Official media attempted to portray Dingzhen as a symbol of pure, unadulterated innocence (纯真 - chúnzhēn). This narrative crumbled when he was seen using e-cigarettes, leading to accusations of hypocrisy and further fueling the backlash.

   • Embarrassing Moments and Mocking Content: Dingzhen's illiteracy led to awkward situations, providing fodder for online mockery. Songs and videos highlighting his e-cigarette use and other gaffes became widespread.

   • The Rise of "一眼丁真" Memes: The meme format "一眼丁真" (yī yǎn Dīngzhēn), roughly translating to "looks like Dingzhen at first glance" or sarcastically "Yep, it's 'real' (mockingly) after you take a look," became a popular way to satirize various situations. This often involved a modified image of Dingzhen, frequently with cybernetic enhancements, paired with ironic text.

   • Examples of "一眼丁真" Memes:

     • Cyborg Dingzhen: Image of Dingzhen with a cybernetic eye and the text "Looks like Cyborg Dingzhen at first glance. Identification: Not Real."
     • Doctor Dingzhen: Image of Dingzhen in a doctor's coat with the text "Looks like Doctor Dingzhen at first glance. Diagnosis: Braindead."
     • Billionaire Dingzhen: Image of Dingzhen dressed as a wealthy industrialist with the text "Looks like Billionaire Dingzhen at first glance. Rate: Underperformance."

   • Continued Mockery: Beyond the "一眼丁真" format, people continue to create songs and videos mocking Dingzhen.

   In essence, the Dingzhen meme evolved from a commentary on unearned fame and manufactured innocence to a versatile format for expressing irony and satire. The cybernetic/modified images add a layer of absurdity and further emphasize the disconnect between the projected image and the perceived reality.

   Overview

   A meme on its own and having some more wide-spreading spin-offs, Hell Jokes (地狱笑话) are a form of dark humor that is often considered extremely morally questionable. These jokes typically involve the subtle or overt mockery of disturbing real-life events, such as deaths, disasters, or criminal acts. The term "hell jokes" is derived from the idea that if one can understand and laugh at these jokes, they might be morally corrupt enough to go to hell.

   Key Characteristics

   • Moral Controversy: Hell Jokes are known for their extreme moral ambiguity. They often involve the dark and inappropriate humor derived from tragic or sensitive events, pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in society.
   • Subtle Mockery: These jokes frequently use subtlety, wordplay, and visual puns to convey their message. The humor often lies in the clever and hidden references to the underlying tragic events.
   • Content Sensitivity: Hell Jokes often touch on topics that are deeply troubling, such as historical tragedies, celebrity deaths, and criminal activities. This sensitivity makes them highly controversial and often offensive to many people.

   Common Forms

   Celebrity Deaths:

   • John F. Kennedy: A keychain featuring Kennedy's image with a hole in his head, paired with the text "Be creative" (脑洞大开), alluding to the fatal head wound he suffered during his assassination.
   • Donald Trump and Shinzo Abe: An image of Trump meeting Abe with the caption "The meeting between the U.S. presidential candidate and the former Japanese Prime Minister was canceled at the last minute," referencing Abe's assassination.
   • Kobe Bryant: Various memes and images combining Kobe with helicopters, referencing his death in a helicopter crash.

   Historical Tragedies:

   • Hiroshima and Nagasaki: A joke comparing the highest temperatures in Japanese cities, where Hiroshima and Nagasaki are listed as 6000°C, alluding to the extreme heat generated by the atomic bombings in 1945.
     • Content Analysis: The joke uses hyperbole to highlight the catastrophic impact of the atomic bombs, turning a tragic event into a humorous but morally questionable statement.

   Criminal Activities

   • Pedophilia: Jokes that subtly or overtly suggest inappropriate behavior, such as insinuating that priests should not be alone with young boys. These jokes often touch on societal taboos and are highly offensive.

   Cultural Impact

   Hell Jokes have gained significant traction online, particularly on social media platforms and forums where users share and create content. However, their widespread presence has also sparked debates about the ethics of humor, the respect for victims, and the role of comedy in addressing serious issues.

   Conclusion

   Hell Jokes are a unique and controversial form of humor that pushes the limits of what is considered acceptable. While they may elicit laughter from some, they are often seen as insensitive and morally problematic by others. Understanding the context and implications of these jokes is crucial for navigating the complex landscape of online humor and social discourse.

   Sun Xiaochuan: The Chinese Internet's Toxic Emperor Meme

   Sun Xiaochuan, originating from a banned streamer of the same name, has become a ubiquitous and toxic meme in Chinese internet culture. Known for his foul language and various minor offenses, he is often mockingly referred to as the "Japanese Emperor" (Mikado), a title carrying connotations similar to Hitler within this online context.

   Key aspects of the Sun Xiaochuan meme:

   • "Fans" Revel in Insults and Fabricated Evil Deeds: Sun Xiaochuan's "fans" perpetuate the meme by inventing increasingly vulgar insults and attributing outlandish and ridiculous evil acts to him. Examples range from historical atrocities (e.g., opening the gates of Constantinople to the Ottomans) to fictional calamities. This ironic "fandom" thrives on negativity and exaggeration.

   • "PS Bar" and the "Corpse" Motif: A significant hub for the Sun Xiaochuan meme is "PS Bar," a sub-tieba similar to Reddit's r/photoshop. Users requesting photo edits often find their pictures defaced with Sun Xiaochuan's likeness. This is accompanied by comments like "No corpse here please" or "Why do you put a corpse on her face?", treating the image of the living Sun Xiaochuan as if it were a dead body, further adding to the meme's dark humor and absurdity.

   • Scapegoat for Fictional Evildoers: Beyond "PS Bar," Sun Xiaochuan's name is frequently invoked as a shorthand for any character revealed to be the mastermind behind evil plots, especially in poorly written narratives. For example, a newly revealed arch-villain in a game like World of Warcraft might be dubbed "the Azeroth Sun Xiaochuan" if the storyline is deemed contrived or unsatisfying.

   In summary, the Sun Xiaochuan meme thrives on a unique blend of ironic fandom, morbid humor, and a penchant for attributing exaggerated negativity to a figure already notorious for his online behavior. It serves as both a running joke and a convenient label for any perceived villain, particularly within the context of online gaming and fictional narratives.

9. #9Henanese and Manhole Cover

   Keys: Henan, Manhole Cover

   Henanese and Manhole Cover (河南人 & 井盖 - Hénánrén & Jǐnggài)

   • Year: 2010s (Specifically, 2014 onwards)
   • Type: Stereotype-based meme, Image Macro, Catchphrase

   About:

   This meme is based on a deeply offensive and discriminatory stereotype that all people from Henan province are thieves, particularly known for stealing manhole covers. This harmful association is used to mock, insult, and demean people from Henan.

   Intention:

   The meme is used to perpetuate negative stereotypes, engage in regional discrimination, and harass individuals from Henan. It serves as a tool for prejudiced jokes and social exclusion.

   Origin:

   The meme originates from a historical, and inaccurate, stereotype that people from Henan are prone to theft. This stereotype, possibly fueled by some isolated incidents involving migrant workers from Henan in the 2000s, has evolved into associating them specifically with stealing manhole covers. The exact moment this specific association arose is unclear, but it appears to have gained traction around 2014.

   Example:

   • Calling a Henanese coworker a "manhole cover stealer" as an insult.
   • Reposting news about a manhole cover theft with repeated "中" (zhòng) characters, which means "yes" or "good" in some Henan dialects, used sarcastically.
   • An image of a pile of manhole covers captioned "Bank of Henan."
   • An image of a worker in a manhole cover workshop titled "Richest man in Henan."
   • A photo of decorated manhole covers resembling large coins in a Henan city, ironically labeled with captions mocking the theft stereotype.
10. #10Chun Ge

    Keys: 春哥, Chun Ge

    Chun Ge / Believe in Chun Ge, Gain Eternal Life (春哥 / 信春哥得永生 - Chūn Gē / Xìn Chūn Gē Dé Yǒngshēng)

    • Year: 2000s - early 2010s (primarily active from 2005, popularity waned around 2014)
    • Type: Catchphrase, Image Macro, Image Element, Gaming Slang

    About:

    The "Chun Ge" (Chun Brother) meme centers around Chinese singer Li Yuchun, who gained fame through the 2005 Super Girl competition with her androgynous image. Initially a reaction from conservative online communities to her neutral style, the meme evolved into an exaggerated parody of masculinity and, most notably, a religious-themed slogan: "Believe in Chun Ge, gain eternal life" (信春哥，得永生). This phrase implied Chun Ge possessed supernatural, almost divine, powers of resurrection and invincibility.

    Intention:

    The meme's initial intention was to mock Li Yuchun's masculine appearance and express a broader disdain for the burgeoning pop idol culture on sites like Baidu Tieba. As it evolved, it became a general form of internet humor, used for ironic statements, and subsequently adapted into gaming slang to refer to resurrection or extra-life items.

    Origin:

    The meme originated from Li Yuchun's win in the 2005 Super Girl competition. Her neutral/masculine style sparked a backlash from online communities. This led to exaggerated phrases like "Chun Ge is a pure man, an iron-blooded tough guy, fists can stand people, arms can run horses" (春哥纯爷们，铁血真汉子，拳上能站人，臂上能跑马). The iconic "Believe in Chun Ge, gain eternal life" slogan gained widespread popularity after a proto-image macro emerged, featuring Li Yuchun's face photoshopped onto a religious figure (likely Jesus) with the red text. This particular image and phrase outgrew the initial derogatory intent and became a pervasive internet phenomenon.

    Example:

    • The catchphrase "春哥纯爷们，铁血真汉子，拳上能站人，臂上能跑马" used to ironically describe masculinity.
    • The proto-image macro showing Li Yuchun's face on a religious figure with the text "信春哥，得永生" (Believe in Chun Ge, gain eternal life).
    • In online games, any item or ability that grants resurrection or extra lives being nicknamed "春哥甲" (Chun Ge armor).
    • Another female contestant, Zeng Yike, with a similar short haircut, being called "Zeng Ge" (曾哥) following the same pattern.
11. #11Xu Ming or Mo Fa

    Keys: mofa, 续命, Xuming, 膜法

    Life Extension / Toad Magic (续命 / 膜法 - Xùmìng / Mófǎ)

    • Year: 2000s - 2020s (most likely after 2008, peaked 2015-2021, waned after 2022)
    • Type: Catchphrase, Image Macro, Anecdote/Joke format

    About:

    This meme revolves around former Chinese President Jiang Zemin's perceived unnatural longevity and an urban legend suggesting he "steals age" from others through some form of "evil magic ritual." It encompasses a variety of jokes, implying catchphrases, and visual cues that play on his supposed immortality, control over time, and ability to receive "donations" of lifespan from others. The meme frequently uses elements associated with Jiang Zemin, such as toads (referring to his facial features), time-control magic (often depicted with an "old wizard"), and black-framed glasses. The term "膜法" (mófǎ - "toad magic") became an overarching name for practices related to this meme.

    Intention:

    At its peak, the meme served as a form of irreverent, often subversive, humor directed at a prominent political figure, subtly pushing the boundaries of online censorship. It allowed netizens to express veiled commentary and amusement through a culturally coded language. It also fostered a sense of community among those who understood the subtle references. After Jiang Zemin's passing, the meme largely shifted to a more nostalgic and commemorative tone.

    Origin:

    The meme's core lies in Jiang Zemin's seemingly long life and an urban legend about him "stealing age." The term "膜蛤" (móhá - "worshipping the toad," a phonetic pun on "膜拜" [móbài - worship] and "蛤" [há - toad, referencing his appearance]) emerged as a general term for this form of reverence/mockery. This then evolved into "膜法" (mófǎ - an intentional misspelling of "魔法" [mófǎ - magic], incorporating the "蛤" character, literally "toad magic"), becoming the overarching name for practices related to the meme. The meme's peak period coincided with Jiang Zemin's declining direct political influence, which likely allowed for its more open proliferation.

    Example:

    • A dark joke describing a scene in hell where candles representing human lifespans are shown, with the candles for years around Jiang Zemin's birth (e.g., 1924, 1925, 1926) repeatedly appearing, implying his prolonged existence.
    • The catchphrases "我为长者续一秒" (Wǒ wèi zhǎngzhě xù yī miǎo - "I add one second for the Elder") or simply "+1s," used to playfully "donate" lifespan.
    • Image macros or texts featuring toads, old time wizards, or black-framed glasses, all subtly referring to Jiang Zemin without explicitly showing his image (due to censorship).
    • The ironic use of a quote from The Wind in the Willows, "The cleverest men at Oxford... know all that there is to be known. But none of them are half as clever as Mr. Toad!", applied to Jiang Zemin.
    • A symbiotic meme involving a "death penalty list" (加急名单 - jiājí míngdān) that one supposedly gets on for making jokes about Jiang Zemin, which itself became a sarcastic commentary on censorship fears.

    Decline:

    Jiang Zemin's death in 2022 significantly diminished the meme's core premise of "immortality" and "life extension." The immediate cause of its popularity was removed. While still occasionally referenced, the humor has largely shifted. Users now adapt the old jokes by adding phrases like "账户已注销，无法转账" (Zhànghù yǐ zhùxiāo, wúfǎ zhuǎnzhang - "Account cancelled, unable to transfer") or "永远怀念" (Yǒngyuǎn huáiniàn - "Forever missed") often accompanied by crying emojis, reflecting a more nostalgic and somber tone rather than the original irreverence.

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