The rise of 踩雷 (cǎiléi) is directly tied to the explosion of e-commerce and social media in China. In a marketplace with endless choices, from makeup brands to vacation spots, consumers rely heavily on shared experiences to make decisions. Sharing your “cǎiléi” story online is a common, almost communal, activity. It serves as a warning to others, helping them “avoid the mines” (避雷, bìléi). This contrasts with Western concepts like “it was a bust” or “I got ripped off.” While the meaning is similar, 踩雷 (cǎiléi) is part of a larger ecosystem of slang. Its direct opposite, 种草 (zhòngcǎo)—“to plant grass” (i.e., to make someone want something)—and related terms like 避雷 (bìléi)—“to avoid the mine”—create a whole vocabulary for navigating consumer culture. This reflects a more collectivist approach to information sharing, where individuals actively help the community make better choices. The metaphor is more active and visual than its English counterparts.
踩雷 (cǎiléi) is highly informal and is used constantly in daily conversation and online, especially on platforms like Xiaohongshu (小红书), Weibo (微博), and Douyin (抖音).
The connotation is always negative, expressing disappointment, frustration, and a sense of being let down.