Your (Unofficial) Guide to Trash Talking Whippersnappers: The China Edition

Step aside, millennials and boomers! China has its own intergenerational debate complete with all the classic tropes you know and love, and some interesting unique features to boot. Given how quickly Chinese society has changed, China’s generations are based on the decade in which you were born, and different expectations and criticisms are borne of each period. Chinese netizens have opinions far and wide about what differentiates each generation, with ample debate on survey platforms, blogs, and social media websites. Here is your quick (and unofficial) guide to these stereotypes, based on China’s internet intergenerational trash talk.

Post-70s: The Hustler

The profile: First up, meet the post-70s! Your post-70s friend is all about work, work, work – constantly operating with the hustle in mind. Your 70s pal is raring and ready for overtime, looking for any way to get ahead. When going to a work dinner, they would sit on their boss’ lap if that meant they got more face time with important head-honchos. For this generation, life is a hustle and they know it. The only way to get ahead: stay focused and keep your head in the game. To make that happen, it means recognizing hierarchy when you see it and following the rules – whether that’s at work or after hours.

Best at: Powering through the daily grind.

Worst at: Chilling.

Always ready for: A banquet with a boss of any variety.

Post-80s: The Partier

The Profile: Welcome to the roaring 80s! In comparison with their post-70s equivalent, post-80s babies are much less work oriented and much more eager for love and connection. Your post-80s partner in crime doesn’t want to work overtime, they’re looking to go for a drink, have some fun with their kids, and embrace a more equal dynamic both at home and at work. This group feels a little more relaxed around work and success, and as a result, is much more up for a good time!

Best at: Taking it easy

Worst at: Being cutthroat

Always ready for: A day at the park with the fam

Post-90s: The Pampered Prince(sses)

The post-90s buddy gets a bad rep. They are both anxious to get a raise and a promotion, and lazy because they know Mom and Dad will likely foot the bill. This is the friend that both says they’ll never get married and is perpetually confused by dating. As the center of their family’s world, your post-90s pal thinks they are the boss and wants everyone to know it – all while craving the right brand and the right look to gain peer approval. Hey, it’s a post-90s world…you’re just living in it!

Best at: Selfies

Worst at: Quiet time

Always ready for: A good shopping spree

Post-90s Beijingers: The Pampered Prince(sses) with pressure, privilege or both

Finally, we bring things home to the capital where we meet the post-90s Beijinger, who is, depending who you ask, either a sad crew or extra spoiled. The sad variety is the same pampered prince(sses) as their equivalent elsewhere, but are feeling the pain of trying to live that big city dream on a not so big city budget. For the average Post-90s Beijinger, life is good, but not as good as it used to be – with homeownership and those piling bills adding to current worries. On the other side of the coin, the extra privileged pampered Post-90ser knows that they don’t have to work a day in their life – because powerful parents will pave the way. Which is true of your own Beijinger? Both or maybe neither – depending on your perspective.

READ: The Expat Influencers Taking Chinese Social Media by Storm

Image: Jianshu, Meizhuowang, QQ