梗

    gěng

    Meaning: This character is the misuse of another with a similar pronunciation -- "哏" -- a jargon used in standup comedy which refers to something the performers can elaborate and make fun of. That character is a Japanese word originating from the English word "gag." Chinese netizens now use "梗" to refer to popular gags appearing in TV shows, movies or animation. For instance, some romantic guy often hides a diamond ring in a dessert or a glass of wine and the proposal ends up in an emergency room. Netizens call old jokes "老梗." They also call overused tactics "老梗." In traditional Chinese standup comedy, people still use "哏" instead of "梗."

    Example

    A: 《新娘大作战》你要不要去看？

    Xīnniáng dà zuòzhàn nǐ yàobuyào qù kàn?

    Do you want to see the movie "Bride Wars?"

    B: 还是不去了，我记得好莱坞有部同名电影。估计这个里面尽是老梗。

    Háishì bùqù le, wǒ jìdé hǎoláiwū yǒu bù tóngmíng diànyǐng。 Gūjì zhège lǐmiàn jìnshì lǎogěng。

    I'll pass. I remember a Hollywood movie by the same name. This film must be filled with old gags.

    A: 这个就是翻拍片。

    Zhège jìushì fānpāi piān。

    In fact this is a remake.