内卷

Real meaning

A buzzword describing excessive, unproductive competition where everyone works harder but nobody wins.

When to use it

Used to describe rat-race dynamics in school, work, and society.

Origin

Originally an anthropological term, became a viral critique of modern work/education culture.

Examples

• 太内卷了,大家都没好处。
  It's too involutive — nobody actually benefits.

Similar slang