Meaning:

This acronym stands for platonic life partner, a new relationship option made known to the public through social media. The hashtag #platoniclifepartner has been viewed millions of times on TikTok. A platonic life partnership is a deep, committed relationship in which two people have chosen each other as their primary partner in much the same way as de facto or married couples — but without the romance and sex. In China, many PLPs are divorced women who choose to live with each other and raise their children together, sharing finances and household chores. Those who opt for a platonic life partnership simply don’t want to play the dating game anymore or have become disappointed with the opposite sex based on previous relationship experiences.

Example:

A: 听说小丽离婚后带着孩子回老家了。

Tīngshuō xiǎolì líhūn hòu dàizhe háizi huí lǎojiā le。

I’ve heard that Xiao Li moved back to her hometown with her child after getting a divorce.

B: 是的，她现在和一个大学时代的女同学搭伙过日子，PLP。

Shì de , tā xiànzài hé yíge dàxué shídài de nǚtóngxué dāhuǒ guò rìzi , PLP。

Yeah. She’s found a PLP in a close friend who was her college schoolmate.