In Chinese, it is pronounced as: tiǎn gǒu，Written as:

The term “simp” is an internet slang used to describe someone who excessively flatters or caters to others without dignity. It is most often used in two contexts. The first pertains to romantic relationships: someone who, despite knowing the other person has no interest in them, persistently pursues them, fulfilling all their demands and essentially “throwing themselves at a brick wall.” The second usage occurs in workplaces or bureaucratic settings, referring to individuals who blindly conform to their superiors’ wishes, regardless of whether the directives are right or wrong, and who prioritize their boss’s preferences over principles, resorting to flattery and obsequiousness.

The phrase originated on a popular Chinese online forum around 2016. Since then, it has become a widely recognized cultural critique. As the term gained popularity, internet users created various related expressions, memes, and formats, which were warmly embraced by audiences everywhere. The most iconic example is perhaps the meme captioned, “Promise me you won’t be a simp.”

Some younger people even use “simp” as a way to self-deprecate, employing humor to alleviate the frustration of unrequited affection. This sentiment is encapsulated in the widely quoted phrase: “Simping leads to nothing in the end.” Through the dissemination of memes and jokes, the term reflects modern anxieties surrounding dating and social pressures.