Slang dictionary · Love and relationships · Chinese internet slang
What does tiangou (舔狗) mean?
Also written: simp, licking dog, tian gou
In short
舔狗 (tiǎngǒu, literally "licking dog") is Chinese slang for someone who keeps fawning over a person who clearly isn't interested, giving up their dignity in the process; it can also mean a shameless flatterer. It is derogatory and a little crude, and the closest English word is simp. Its best-known line is 舔狗舔到最后一无所有 ("a simp who keeps simping ends up with nothing"). It spread widely around 2018 to 2019; the exact origin is unclear.
Two senses
In dating: the other person is cold, yet you keep sending good-morning texts, dropping everything when they call and sending gifts or money, content to be a backup option. In general: flattering a boss, an idol or anyone useful without any principle, like a brown-noser.
舔 ("to lick") is a vivid image for sucking up, and 狗 ("dog") is belittling, so the word is not polite.
How to use it
- 「她只在需要帮忙时才找我，我是不是成舔狗了。」 (She only contacts me when she needs help. Have I become a simp?)
- 「舔狗舔到最后一无所有，别再给他转账了。」 (Simps end up with nothing. Stop sending him money.)
- 「今天也是舔狗日记：早安，你今天也没回我。」 (Simp diary, another day: good morning, you didn't reply again.)
- 「明星发个动态，他在评论区舔得太过了。」 (The celebrity posted once and he went way overboard in the comments.)
舔狗日记 ("simp diary") is a popular self-mocking format that exaggerates one-sided devotion.
Similar words
| Term | Meaning | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 舔狗 (tiǎngǒu) | fawns over someone who doesn't respond | stresses no limits and no reward |
| 备胎 (bèitāi) "spare tire" | a backup kept on hold | the position you are put in; a 舔狗 is often one |
| 恋爱脑 (liàn'àinǎo) | love above all, judgment lost | the relationship may be mutual |
| simp | English slang for over-devotion | the closest match |
Tone
舔狗 is derogatory and can be insulting, so be careful using it about others. Calling yourself one is usually a joke about effort that goes unrewarded. Some people point out the word gets overused: sincerely courting someone and being kind is not simping. The line is whether the other person has clearly said no, and whether you have given up your self-respect.
FAQ
Is 舔狗 the same as simp?
Very close. Both mean someone who does too much for a person who isn't interested. 舔狗 can also mean a flatterer in general.
Is 舔狗 offensive?
Yes, it is derogatory and somewhat crude. Using it about yourself is self-mockery; aimed at others it can hurt.
What does 舔狗舔到最后一无所有 mean?
"A simp who keeps simping ends up with nothing": pleasing someone who doesn't care about you leads nowhere. It is used to tell people to cut their losses.