YYDS stands for 永远的神 (yǒngyuǎn de shén). Let's break down the characters in the full phrase:
永 (yǒng): Meaning “eternal” or “forever.” You can picture it as a single drop of water in a long, flowing river, representing endlessness.
远 (yuǎn): Meaning “far” or “distant.” When combined with 永, the phrase 永远 (yǒngyuǎn) means “forever and ever,” emphasizing a timeless quality.
的 (de): A structural particle, similar to “'s” in English. It connects the description (“forever”) to the noun (“god”).
神 (shén): Meaning “god,” “deity,” or “spirit.” This character signifies something supernatural or possessing incredible ability.
When combined, 永远的神 (yǒngyuǎn de shén) literally means “the god of forever” or “eternal god.” In its slang usage, it has no religious meaning; it simply elevates someone or something to a mythical, unbeatable status.
YYDS is almost exclusively used in informal settings. It's the language of social media, texting, and casual chats with friends.
On Social Media: You will see “YYDS” spammed in the comments section of Weibo, Douyin (TikTok), and Bilibili. If a singer gives an amazing performance, the comments will be flooded with “YYDS!”
Live-streaming: In the “bullet comments” (弹幕 - dànmù) that fly across the screen during live streams, YYDS is a common way to react to an exciting moment.
With Friends: You might say it out loud or text it to a friend. For example, if your friend cooks an amazing dinner, you could exclaim, “You are YYDS!”
Connotation and Formality: The term is overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. However, it is highly informal. Never use it in a business email, a formal speech, or when addressing someone of high authority like a professor or a boss. Doing so would be seen as unprofessional and slightly childish.