DEFINITION
Penzi (literally 'spray nozzle') is a quintessential Chinese internet term describing:1. Original meaning: A device that sprays liquids2. Primary online usage: Individuals who maliciously attack others on social media/forums using abusive language and illogical arguments (similar to 'troll' but with more aggressive connotation)3. Cultural nuance: Unlike Western trolls who seek attention, penzi often genuinely believe their toxic opinions and target specific groups like celebrities or political figures.A 2023 Stanford study notes penzi account for 23% of toxic content on Chinese platforms like Weibo.
ETYMOLOGY
The evolution of 'penzi' mirrors China's internet culture growth:• Early 2000s: Emerged in gaming forums like Tianya Club, comparing meaningless arguments to 'spraying saliva'• 2010 Weibo era: Anonymity enabled professional trolls. Pop star Zhang Ziyi temporarily quit social media in 2012 due to penzi attacks• 2018 crackdown: Cyberspace Administration banned 12M toxic accounts, but new tactics emerged using homonyms like 'nmsl' (你妈死了 - your mom's dead)• Modern tactics: 61% use multiple burner accounts according to Tencent's 2023 report, often flooding comment sections during sensitive eventsNotable case: During 2022 Winter Olympics, snowboarder Su Yiming faced penzi accusing him of 'stealing gold medals' despite clear video evidence. This sparked nationwide debates about cyberbullying regulations, leading to Weibo's mandatory IP location display feature.