Catch Phrase | 滑坡式许愿（huápōshì xǔyuàn）

Meaning:

“滑坡” means “landslide,” “式” means “style,” and “许愿” means “making a wish.” Coined by Chinese netizens, this term talks about the gradual process of lowering one’s expectations and coming to terms with life as people grow up. Many people have high aspirations as a child, making wishes to become a scientist or astronaut when they grow up. However, as they grow up, many just hope they can find a good job and live comfortably. After repeated setbacks, some may just hope they are not struck by bad luck so often.

Example:

A: 明天你就三十岁了，有什么新的愿望？

Míngtiān nǐ jiù sānshísuì le，yǒu shénme xīnde yuànwàng？

You’re turning 30 tomorrow. Do you have a wish for the next year?

B: 我还是不要许愿了，一直都在滑坡式许愿。

Wǒ háishì búyào xǔyuàn le，yīzhí dōu zài huápōshì xǔyuàn。

I’d rather not make a wish. I’ve been lowering my expections all the way.