China slang term ‘rat people’ attracts 2 billion views for…

Or could this be a new youth movement like punk?

Hello dear readers,

How are you?

Welcome to Middle Kingdom Memo!

It is very sad to see that there are a lot of young Chinese without energy, and the lack of trust in a better future they can build by themselves.

China slang term ‘rat people’ attracts 2 billion views for..

A new youth subculture is emerging in China, where young people are rejecting the relentless pursuit of success and embracing a low-energy lifestyle, dubbing themselves "rat people" (鼠人). The term, which likens their reclusive, slow-paced routines to those of sewer-dwelling rats, has gone viral online, sparking conversations about generational burnout and societal pressure.

Unlike the hyper-productive crowd that wakes up at 5 a.m., hits the gym, and tackles packed schedules, rat people prioritize comfort and minimalism. They spend their days in bed, rely on takeaway food, avoid socializing, and reject traditional markers of ambition.

(AI translation Ratty me, got stuck with this sticky mouse board. I can’t get up)

The term gained traction after a viral video by a young woman from Zhejiang Province, known online as @jiawensishi, documented her day of extreme lethargy. She stayed in bed for three hours after waking up, then slept for another five. She didn’t eat her first meal until her parents woke her in the evening and only showered at 2 a.m. By calling herself a "rat," she mocked the idea of productivity and celebrated her right to exist without pressure.

Her video, which has garnered over 400,000 likes, resonated widely. One comment summed up the movement: "We’re tired of the polished, fast-paced lifestyle forced on us. We just want the freedom to lie down whenever and wherever we want."

The rat people phenomenon mirrors China’s earlier "lying flat" (躺平) trend, where young people used humor and self-deprecation to resist societal expectations. Both movements reflect a growing disillusionment with the pressure to conform to high-achieving lifestyles.

As one Beijing resident, Ms. Lin, explained: "There’s no need to act energetic or ambitious. We don’t live to impress anyone. Being comfortable is enough." She avoids unnecessary communication with colleagues, lives on takeaway, and spends weekends gaming or sleeping.

The trend isn’t limited to China. Chinese students studying in the UK, facing gray skies and high living costs, often adopt similar habits, staying indoors to conserve mental and physical energy.

The movement has even spawned its own mascot: Big Rat, a cartoon character created by illustrator Sugar Xianbei. With droopy eyes and a laid-back demeanor, Big Rat has become the face of this anti-hustle culture.

Source: The Nation https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40048636

Hello dear reader,

Since I have some issues regarding my stripe account. I created a Patreon account and a Kofi account. So when you feel like supporting me and my work, please feel free to sign up.

When you liked this story then please visit

My Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lazarus6968

Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=26569336

Thank you in advance.

Kater Murr