Meaning:

“佛” means “Buddha,” “系” means “series,” and “青年” refers to “young people.” This term went viral recently after an article describing the attitude of post-1990s generation toward life was published on WeChat last week. The post, with the title “The first batch of the post-90s generation have become monks,” went viral, as it resonates with millions of youngsters by reflecting their casualness and calmness under mounting social pressure. By using the phrase “Buddha-like youngsters,” it claimed that some of those born between 1990 and 1992 have “seen through the vanity of life” and kept a casual and calm mindset toward career and life.

Example:

A: 小丽和她男朋友没吵架吧？

Xiǎolì hé tā nán péngyǒu méi chǎojià ba?

Has Xiao Li quarreled with her boyfriend?

B: 没有，他俩友好分手了。

Méiyǒu, tāliǎ yǒuhǎo fēnshǒu le。

No. They broke up in peace.

A: 一点都看不出来她伤心啊。

Yīdiǎn dōu kàn bù chūlái tā shāngxīn a。

She’s not very sad apparently.

B: 她是佛系青年，一切随缘不强求。

Tā shì fóxì qīngnián, yīqiè suíyuán bù qiǎngqíu。

She’s a “Buddha-like” young person. She doesn’t like to strive for things but would rather let it be.