Literal translation
bicker goblin
When to use it
Insulting label for online trolls: "Don't feed the 杠精."
Origin
杠 (to argue/bicker) + 精 (goblin/spirit), patterned after 戏精 (drama goblin).
Examples
- 评论区全是杠精,别理他们。The comment section is full of contrarians — ignore them.
Similar slang
键盘侠 (keyboard warrior)喷子 (hater)