The term 社畜 (shèchù) is not native to Chinese; it's a loanword from the Japanese term 社畜 (shachiku), which became prominent in Japan during its post-bubble economic stagnation in the 1990s. It was adopted into Chinese internet slang around the 2010s and exploded in popularity with the rise of China's hyper-competitive tech industry and its infamous “996 work culture” (working 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week). In Western culture, the closest equivalents are “corporate drone” or “wage slave.” However, 社畜 (shèchù) has a distinct flavor. While “wage slave” often carries a political, anti-capitalist critique, “shèchù” is more personal and social. It's a self-deprecating label used with a sense of resigned humor and is a key part of the online vocabulary for expressing shared misery among peers. The term's popularity signifies a major cultural shift. It stands in direct opposition to the traditional Chinese value of 吃苦耐劳 (chīkǔ nàiláo), or “enduring hardship.” While older generations might see long work hours as a path to success and a noble sacrifice, many younger Chinese people use “shèchù” to question this narrative and express their desire for a healthier work-life balance.
社畜 (shèchù) is a highly informal and colloquial term. Its usage is almost exclusively self-referential or used among close friends who share the same experience.