What does 666 mean in Chinese?

666 is the single most important number to understand for Chinese gaming and livestreaming culture. It has nothing to do with the Western “number of the beast.” The origin: in Chinese gaming slang, 溜 (liū) means “smooth” — a smooth move, a smooth play. Saying something is 溜溜溜 (liū liū liū — “smooth smooth smooth”) means the execution was flawless. Typing 溜溜溜 in a fast-paced gaming chat is slow, so players started typing 666 instead — same sound, fewer keystrokes.

Today, 666 has transcended gaming. It is the universal shorthand for “that was awesome.” A chef flips a wok perfectly: 666. A dancer nails a difficult move: 666. A programmer fixes a bug in one line: 666. A driver parallel parks in one smooth motion: 666. Any impressive display of skill can earn a 666.

In livestream chats, 666 floods the screen whenever the streamer does something cool — it is the Chinese equivalent of PogChamp or “LET’S GO.” The rhythm of three identical characters makes it visually satisfying in a scrolling chat feed.

The extended form 666666… (as many 6s as you feel) intensifies the praise. More 6s = more impressed. Someone who types 666666666666 is extremely impressed. Someone who types 6 is giving the minimum acknowledgment.