“Old Iron”(老铁):

In Chinese, it is pronounced as: lǎo tiě，Written as:

The term “old iron” originates from the Chinese dialect expression “铁哥们儿” (tiě gēmen’er), which is a nickname for close friends and is similar to other terms like “iron buddy”. It describes relationships that are close, solid, reliable, and as strong as iron, symbolizing exceptionally good friendships. It is commonly seen in online live streaming interactions, including phrases like “that hits hard, old iron”, “no problem, old iron”, and “thanks a lot, old iron”.

“Old iron” is a colloquial term that comes from the Northeastern Chinese dialect and has widely spread through internet culture, becoming a popular online slang. Here is a detailed introduction to “old iron”:

Originally a Northeastern dialect term, “old iron” is primarily used to describe friends with whom one has a very intimate relationship. In that region, people often use “iron” to signify the strength and reliability of a relationship. “Old iron” refers to “old friend” or “good friend”, highlighting the depth and endurance of friendship. The term carries connotations of warmth, trust, and reliability. In everyday life, people might use “old iron” to address friends with whom they share a special bond, expressing recognition and trust in the relationship.

On the internet, “old iron” is widely used on social media and in online communities, becoming a trendy phrase. Netizens frequently use it to address each other, especially on live streaming and short video platforms, as a way to create a sense of closeness. Sometimes, “old iron” is also used humorously or sarcastically to address strangers or online acquaintances, fostering a relaxed atmosphere.

As internet culture has evolved, “old iron” has transcended its regional boundaries and become a national slang term. It reflects the trend of people seeking intimacy and a sense of belonging in the virtual space during the internet era. By using terms like “old iron”, people aim to establish a sense of genuine friendship, even in virtual settings. “Old iron” is not just a way to refer to friendships; it is also an expression of emotion, illustrating the value of friendship and the trust between individuals.