#1. “Please Nerf This Character for Me” ("Giảm sức mạnh con tướng này giúp em")
Originating from the gaming community—especially character-based games—players often ask developers to “nerf” overpowered characters. Vietnamese youth quickly turned this phrase into everyday social slang, using it to humorously describe anything or anyone that feels “too powerful” or “unfairly impressive” in real life.
For example, when expressing admiration for a celebrity’s looks or talent, people often post a photo with the caption: “Giảm sức mạnh con tưởng này giúp em”—a playful, witty compliment that feels both funny and flattering.
#2. "The Summer Break Squad" (“Khối Nghỉ Hè”)
“Khối Nghỉ Hè” is a slang term coined by Vietnamese youth to refer to students during summer vacation. The phrase combines “khối” (a term typically used to describe groups in parades or large-scale events) with “summer break,” creating a tone that is both humorous and slightly satirical. Around mid-2025, the term began trending on social media as wordplay describing students returning home or staying with family during the holidays—often making household life more lively, and sometimes a bit chaotic.
This slang is commonly used on TikTok, Facebook, and in daily conversations with a humorous tone—especially to describe scenes of kids visiting grandparents, playing around, being mischievous, or unintentionally driving adults a little crazy.
#3. “Please Move the Whole Group Up the Mountain for Me” ("Mời đoàn mình di chuyển lên núi giùm em")
This phrase is a humorous way Gen Z expresses second-hand embarrassment, awkwardness, or extreme “cringe” on someone else’s behalf. Instead of bluntly saying “I want to disappear,” the trend uses “going up the mountain” as a graceful metaphor for retreating from an uncomfortable situation or online drama. The phrase first appeared in a TikTok video featuring a tour guide addressing visitors, but it truly went viral after a reality show episode of Gia đình Haha filmed in Vietnam’s Northwest, where the line echoed against a majestic mountain backdrop. By mid-July 2025, it had exploded into one of the most recognizable TikTok trends across social media.
The phrase resonates thanks to its brevity, wit, and versatility. When someone accidentally sends gossip to their boss, or a friend creates an awkward moment in public, a typical reaction would be: “Mời đoàn mình di chuyển lên núi giùm em!”. Rather than harsh criticism, the phrase delivers humor without causing offense.
Creative variations: Gen Z quickly came up with spin-offs to match different situations:
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“The mountain is full—please move the group down to the beach.” ("Trên núi hết chỗ rồi mời đoàn mình xuống biển")
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“Only three slots left on the mountain—first come, first served.” ("Còn đúng ba slot trên núi, ai nhanh tay thì được.")
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“The sea is full too—going down the cave with MU might get you judged.” ("Dưới biển hết chỗ rồi, xuống hang với MU khéo còn bị khinh ra mặt ấy")
This flexibility and humor helped the phrase become one of the most prominent TikTok trends of summer 2025, highlighting the incredible creativity of Vietnam’s online youth culture.
#4. “Take the 2 Billion” (“Cầm lấy 2 tỷ”)
If there’s one TikTok trend that seemed to “fall from the sky” yet went massively viral, it’s “Cầm lấy 2 tỷ”. The phrase originates from a classic trope in romance dramas, where a wealthy family offers money to break up a relationship—typically delivered in a dramatic, emotional context.
What made the trend truly explode wasn’t the seriousness—but how netizens flipped the wording to create absurdly funny scenarios. Instead of “Take the 2 billion and stay away from my child,” people remixed it into versions like “Take my daughter and stay away from the 2 billion” or “Take me and my daughter, and stay away from the 2 billion.”
With just a small change in word order, the heavy melodrama of romance films instantly turned into comedy skits. This clever satire sparked a wave of parody videos, memes, and edits turning “Cầm lấy 2 tỷ” into a widely shared internet trend across social platforms.
#5. “They’re Getting Roasted Over There” (“Chửi um sùm ở bển kìa”)
This phrase is usually used humorously or sarcastically to describe someone being dragged into an awkward or embarrassing situation. It doesn’t literally mean swearing or insults, but rather serves as playful exaggeration for a hilariously “painful” moment.
For instance, during her appearance on the reality show Em xinh say hi, old clips of Phương Mỹ Chi acting in a childhood skit resurfaced online. Many social media comments reacted with the phrase: “She’s getting roasted over there.”
#6. “Only One Feather Fan Short of Zhuge Liang” (“Thua Gia Cát Lượng mỗi cây quạt”)
This slang draws inspiration from Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, famously depicted holding a feather fan. Saying someone is “Thua Gia Cát Lượng mỗi cây quạt” humorously suggests that they’re almost as brilliant and strategic just missing the iconic accessory. It’s a playful compliment with a touch of self-mockery, making it both clever and relatable.
#7. “Brothers, Let’s Just Keep It Like This, Heh Heh Heh” (“Anh em mình cứ thế thôi, hẹ hẹ hẹ”)
This TikTok trend started from a spontaneous clip where the main character casually says “Anh em mình cứ thế thôi, hẹ hẹ hẹ” in a laid-back, goofy tone. Its raw, everyday, slightly unhinged humor helped it quickly catch on across social media. The phrase combines two elements:
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“Brothers, let’s just keep it like this” – originally from a Real Madrid fan comment listing Champions League titles, conveying calm confidence and pride
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“Heh heh heh” – a signature laugh from streamer Tú Sena during a livestream, intentionally exaggerated and later turned into a viral meme
What makes this trend special is its simplicity—no fancy filters or setups required. Users simply overlay the audio onto everyday moments, from hangouts with friends to speechless life situations. Its adaptability led to countless remixes and parody versions, fueling rapid viral growth.
Beyond laughter, this TikTok trend reflects the lighthearted entertainment spirit young people seek online—fun, unserious, and easy to join. That’s why many KOLs and influencers quickly jumped in, helping amplify its viral reach.
How brands can “catch” social slang
Insights from trending slang show that social slang isn’t just lively language—it’s powerful creative fuel for brands looking to ride internet trends. To maximize impact, marketers should keep in mind:
Choose the right slang: Not all slang fits every brand. Slang that’s easy to understand, adaptable, and widely relatable tends to resonate with broader audiences.
Blend brand voice with slang: Following trends doesn’t mean copying word-for-word. Brands should tailor slang to their own tone and weave it naturally into core messaging.
Act at the right moment: Slang trends rise and fade fast. Early adoption creates stronger impact—hesitation often means missing the wave entirely.
Conclusion
Social slang is an endless source of inspiration for brands to create relatable, highly shareable content and build deeper connections with younger audiences. When used strategically and at the right time, slang doesn’t just help brands follow trends—it helps them shape a distinctive voice and stay memorable within digital culture.
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