宅女 (zhái nǚ)
ETYMOLOGY
The term 'zhainv' gained traction in mid-2000s China with the influx of Japanese otaku culture. Initially carrying negative stereotypes of 'NEETs' (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or social anxiety, it gradually transformed through digital entertainment evolution.
A cultural turning point came in 2010 when the Chinese dub of The Big Bang Theory localized Penny's line about Leonard into 『You're acting so zhai-like』, helping detoxify the term. The 2016 Bilibili IPO prospectus officially recognized 『Gen-Z宅群体』 as core users, marking mainstream acceptance.
Modern zhainv defy old stereotypes - they might live-stream in Lolita fashion while ordering bubble tea via apps, or lead gaming squads on Steam. The pandemic accelerated this trend, with many young women embracing hybrid work-from-home lifestyles.
Examples:
『Post-pandemic I've fully embraced being a zhainv - WFH unlocked a whole new world』『Don't be fooled by her office persona, she's hardcore zhainv who builds Gundam models all night』