Research on the construction of Internet vulgar words “X1 + Bi”and“Bi + X2”

Abstract

   This study primarily examines the specific vulgar internet slang term "bi" and its related usages on the Weibo platform from 2018 to 2023. Through corpus analysis, these expressions can be categorized into two patterns: "X1+bi" and "bi+X2". With the evolution of the internet, such vulgar terms have been endowed with new connotations. They are no longer merely coarse expressions but have become a form of humorous and teasing communication, reflecting the trend of seeking relaxation and entertainment in online interactions. The target of the usage of the term "bi" has also undergone changes. In intimate relationships, the use of such vocabulary has become more common; it is no longer a tool for verbal abuse but a means of expressing closeness and a sense of identification.Furthermore, the form of the internet vulgar term "bi" is continuously evolving, with its variations mainly including phonetic transformations, acronyms from the initial letters of Pinyin, repetition and mutations, as well as phonetic substitutions. These transformations not only enrich the expression of internet language but also reflect the netizens' pursuit of individuality, conciseness, and innovative emotional venting methods.Lastly, this paper analyzes and discusses the role of these terms in modern internet culture and communication from perspectives including sociology, psychology, and linguistics.