Threads Chinese slang full analysis! Why is it called "Cui"? A must-learn vocabulary guide for Cui friends

Threads is Meta’s social platform connected with Instagram, similar in function to X (formerly Twitter). As of January 2026, the active user count in the Chinese-speaking region of Threads reached 320 million, with 143 million daily active users on mobile, officially surpassing X. This article will introduce how to use Threads in Chinese, why it’s called “Cui,” and essential slang for new users.

What is Threads in Chinese? Deep integration with Instagram’s text community

Threads is a social app launched by Meta, Facebook’s parent company, linked with Instagram, focusing on short text posts without elaborate formatting. On Threads, users can post plain text content, follow friends or creators they like, give likes, share, quote, or comment to interact.

Threads was initially developed in January 2023 and officially launched on July 5. Within the first five days, it gained over 100 million users, breaking the record previously held by ChatGPT. However, this early success was not sustained; by the end of July 2023, the user base plummeted by over 80%. It wasn’t until after Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election that a surge of young users started using it, leading to explosive growth by the end of 2025.

Core differences between Threads and X (Twitter)

Registration method: Threads requires an Instagram account; X is registered independently.

Background connection: Threads deeply integrates with Instagram friends and content; X is a standalone app.

Algorithmic recommendations: Threads relies on algorithms to push popular content; X mainly uses a timeline.

User groups: Threads primarily targets Instagram users; X has a diverse user base.

As of December 14, 2023, due to user privacy regulation issues raised by regulatory authorities, Threads was delayed by five months before its official launch in the EU. On August 22, 2023, Meta launched the web version of Threads, allowing users to access it on computers.

Why is Threads in Chinese called “Cui”? Origin of “Cui” slang

When Threads first launched, many users were unsure how to pronounce it, and some Taiwanese users found the English difficult to read, so they called it “Cui” based on a Chinese pun. Later, many Hong Kong users adopted the “Cui” term, with some mistakenly reading it as “Kneel,” which led to the nickname “Cui friends” or “Kneel friends” for Threads users.

This localized nickname quickly became popular in the Chinese-speaking community, forming a unique culture within the Threads Chinese social circle. Unlike other platforms, Threads Chinese users created a distinctive community language system, fostering a strong sense of belonging and identity.

Six essential features of Threads in Chinese: Complete tutorial

If you are new to the Chinese version of Threads, it’s recommended to first change your profile picture and name. Tap “Edit Profile,” select a new profile picture or enter a new name, then tap “Done” to finish.

1. Post a thread

Tap the “+” button at the center bottom of the screen, or tap at the top of the screen, then select photos or videos to upload and write your post. Tap “Publish” to share. Note that each thread is limited to 500 characters, videos can be up to 60 seconds long, and each post can include up to 10 images or 10 video clips.

2. View feeds and big data recommendations

You can see your friends’ latest updates on the homepage in real-time. Tap on a thread to view more details. A recent highlight in the Chinese community is the “big data recommendation” feature, which not only shows updates from followed friends but also presents interesting stories or observations shared by other users.

3. Set reply targets for threads

Want to restrict who can reply to your thread? Before posting, tap “Anyone can reply or quote,” then choose who can reply: everyone, people you follow, or only mentions.

4. Hide likes on threads

Like Instagram, Threads allows hiding the number of likes on posts. Tap the “…” icon at the top right of a thread to set this. This feature helps reduce social pressure and allows users to focus more on content.

5. Poll feature

Threads in Chinese, like Instagram Stories, can include a poll. Tap the three lines icon below a post to access it, then enter options to create a poll. This feature is an important tool to boost engagement.

6. Check views and likes

Want to see how many views or likes a thread has? Simply tap the post, then click “View stats” to see the number of likes. If the post has been shared or reposted, you can check the same way.

10 Must-Learn Slang for Threads in Chinese Cui Friends

Traffic secret

Threads in Chinese relies on algorithmic content recommendations. Popular topics discussed by users are pushed to more users, making posts more likely to receive likes and comments. These trending topics become the “traffic secret” of Threads.

Top-tier

“Top-tier” is short for top-level traffic. Some Chinese users like Lin Jiaqian and Wu Zhaoxuan are highly discussed on Threads, and those who generate high engagement are called “top-tier.”

imagine

“Imagine” means to imagine. Many Chinese users like to start their posts with “imagine” when sharing personal experiences to evoke resonance. For example: “Imagine you arranged to have dinner but the other person is an hour late.”

unpopular opinion

If you want to share opinions that go against mainstream views, start with “unpopular opinion.” For example, if everyone thinks pistachio desserts are delicious, you can start with “unpopular opinion” and explain why you think they’re not tasty.

影到我 Pls del

Many users post photos, sometimes with strangers in the background. When that happens, other netizens might pretend they were caught in the photo and comment “影到我 Pls del,” which is a humorous interaction in the Chinese Threads community.

即係咁講

Sharing controversial or sensitive opinions might offend others or spark arguments. Some users end such posts with “即係咁講” (“just saying”) to indicate they’re just joking or not serious.

諗到再講

When sharing reasons for liking being single, must-try restaurants in Korea, or list-style content, users often add “諗到再講” (“will add more if I think of it”) at the end, to comment later if they have additional thoughts.

你就好啦

Seeing couples showing off or fans celebrating their idols on Threads in Chinese? “Cui friends” might jokingly comment “你就好啦” (“You’re so lucky”) or reply with pictures saying the same.

望周知

“望周知” is a formal phrase often used in official Chinese documents. Many Threads users now add “望周知” when sharing information they want the public to notice, making it a popular slang term.

笑一個

“笑一個” (“Smile”) has become a trend in Chinese Threads, originating from ERROR member Bao Qi! Bao Qi’s posts and comments are all “笑一個,” creating his unique style and inspiring many “Cui friends” to follow suit with “笑一個.”

Threads surpasses X to become the new social king

(Source: Similarweb)

According to Forbes, by January 2026, Threads’ global active users reached approximately 320 million, with about 143 million daily active users on mobile, surpassing X during the same period. Data shows that X’s daily active users in January 2026 decreased by about 11.9% year-over-year, while Threads grew significantly by 38%.

Threads’ growth mainly stems from its deep integration with Instagram, allowing existing users to seamlessly transition to the new platform. In December 2025 alone, Threads attracted over 30 million new registrations. Analysts estimate that Threads could generate approximately 11.3 billion yuan in revenue in the future.