Pronounced xiàng pí rén, it literally means plasticine person. The term, which derives from the 1986 namesake novel by writer Wang Shuo, has regained popularity. It refers to a growing group of "plasticine people" who are beaten out of shape, like plasticine, by modern society and kneaded this way and that. Broadly speaking, they are the white-collar workers who are numb to life, have no dreams, interests, or goals, and feel little pain or joy.
Let's put it into context:
Phil: Hey Allen, why the long face?
Allen: I've had a long week, working until 9 pm each day.
Phil: Dude, you need to chill out. Let's go get a drink. That will do.
Allen: I don't know, Phil, I feel like a xiàng pí rén right now.
