Meaning:

The Chinese term, which literally translates to “female competition within the same sex,” refers to the biological notion of women vying for a suitable male partner. According to evolutionary theory, intra-sexual competition primarily revolves around traits that are attractive to the opposite sex. In the case of women, this competition often materializes in the promotion of youth and physical attractiveness while simultaneously critiquing the age, appearance, and character of potential rivals. Chinese netizens use the term to depict situations where women vie for the affection and attention of a man, both in real life and in films and shows.

Example:

A: 你现在还看古装宫廷剧吗？

Nǐ xiànzài huán kàn gǔzhuāng gōngtíng jù ma？

Do you still watch period shows about imperial courts?

B: 不看了，现在我有点烦这种雌竞题材的剧。

Bú kàn le， xiànzài wǒ yǒudiǎn fán zhèzhǒng cíjìng tícái de jù。

No, I don’t. I’ve grown weary of the depictions of female competition in those shows.