8 Chinese Nicknames for Famous Western Celebrities

Did you know that on the Chinese internet it’s common to give Western celebrities unique and fun Chinese nicknames? These names can be based on Mandarin pronunciation, reflect the celebrity’s personality, or simply be a playful twist rooted in Chinese pop culture.

Let’s look at 8 fun and clever Chinese nicknames for Western celebrities you definitely know and explore the language and cultural humor behind them!

“Celebrity” in Chinese

To begin let’s learn the Chinese words for celebrity that are commonly used in everyday speech and Mandarin learning.

First, the general word for famous people is 名人 (míngrén). This term is used to refer to widely recognized and admired individuals often for their achievements in sports, politics, entertainment. Whether you’re studying Mandarin vocabulary, exploring Chinese pop culture, understanding how to say celebrity in Chinese is a great first step.

名人
celebrity; famous person
(lit. “known-person”)

Next the term 明星 (míngxīng) is frequently used for entertainment celebrities in China including actors, singers and TV personalities. It’s one of the most common Chinese words for celebrity in the entertainment industry and widely used in Chinese pop culture.

明星
míngxīng
star; celebrity
(lit. “bright-star”)

Finally, with the rise of social media many individuals become famous online. The term 网红 (wǎng hóng) refers to a Chinese internet celebrity —someone who gained popularity through platforms like Weibo, Douyin, Bilibili. It’s essential for anyone learning about modern Chinese slang, digital culture in China, social media vocabulary in Mandarin.

网红
wǎng hóng
internet celebrity
(lit. “net-red”)

NOTE

The word 红 (hóng), “red” is often used as a metaphor for “being popular“.

Nicknames of Western Celebrities

01. Sweet Tea

Let’s begin with the Dune’s star Timothée Chalamet! His Chinese nickname is a funny play on his last name. The first three letters of Chalamet sound similar to 茶 (chá), “tea” in Chinese. Also, many Chinese fans find his appearance sweet, thus he got the nickname “sweet tea”.

 

甜茶
Tiánchá
(lit. “sweet-tea”)

✨ Full name: 提莫西·查拉梅 (Tímòxī·Chálāméi)

02. “Little Plum”

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Chinese nickname is a fun result of Mandarin transliteration. hHs first name Leo was transliterated as 李 (Lǐ) which means “plum” in Chinese, the word “little” (小 xiǎo) was added as a term of affection creating the nickname “Little Plum” widely used by Chinese netizens and fans on Chinese social media. It’s one of the most well-known examples of celebrity nicknames in Chinese pop culture.

小李子
Xiǎo Lǐzi
(lit. “little-plum”)

✨ Full name: 李奥纳多·迪卡普里奥 (Lǐ’àonàduō·Díkǎpǔlǐào)

03. “Moldy/Unlucky”

When it comes to Taylor Swift’s Chinese nickname, it’s amusing how one of the world’s most successful pop stars is affectionately called something that means “unlucky”, “moldy” in Chinese. The nickname 霉霉 (Méimei) comes from the word 霉 (méi) meaning “mold” or “bad luck” in Mandarin. It was given by Chinese fans who noticed her struggles to hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts early in her career. Despite the meaning, it’s used endearingly in Chinese pop culture and widely known among Mandarin learners and fans on Chinese social media.

霉霉
Méimei
(lit. “moldy-moldy”)

✨ Full name: 泰勒·斯威夫特 (Tàilè·Sīwēifūtè)

04. “Cool Sis”

Mariah Carey‘s Chinese nickname “Cool Sis” (牛姐, Niújiě) is a tribute to her powerful voice, legendary status and long-lasting success in the music industry. In Chinese 牛 (niú) literally means “cow”, but in modern Chinese slang it actually means “cool”, “awesome” — so no offense intended! The suffix 姐 (jiě) meaning “older sister” is often used to show respect and admiration. Together the nickname represents a mix of respect, affection and cultural playfulness from her Chinese fans.

牛姐
Niújiě
(lit. “cow/cool-sister”)

✨ Full name: 玛丽亚·凯莉 (Mǎlìyà Kǎilì)

NOTE

Don’t worry, calling someone “a cow” is not an offense – 牛 (niú) in Chinese means “cool/awesome” 😎

05. “Little Cool Cool”

Ariana Grande’s Chinese nickname 小牛牛 (Xiǎoniúniu) meaning “Little Cool Cool” is a playful nod to her image as a young talented singer often compared to Mariah Carey. In Chinese internet culture 牛 (niú) is modern slang for “cool” or “awesome” and 小 (xiǎo) means “little” suggesting a younger version of someone admired. Repeating 牛 adds a cute and affectionate tone which is common in Mandarin nicknames. The nickname reflects her popularity and strong fanbase in China’s music scene and on Chinese social media.

小牛牛
Xiǎoniúniu
(lit. “little-cow-cow”)

✨ Full name: 爱莉安娜·格兰德 (Àilìānnà Gélándé)

06. “Little Sweetie”

Britney Spears’ Chinese nickname 小甜甜 (Xiǎotiántian) translates to “Little Sweetie” and it perfectly reflects her early career image. During her rise to fame, her youthful appearance, sweet personality and innocent charm won over a global fanbase — including Chinese fans. As a result she was affectionately named “Little Sweetie” by Chinese netizens and this nickname remains one of the most recognizable celebrity nicknames in Chinese pop culture.

小甜甜
Xiǎotiántian
(lit. “little-sweetie”)

✨ Full name: 布兰妮·斯皮尔斯 (Bùlánnī Sīpíěrsī)

07. “Spicy Chicken”

Nicki Minaj‘s Chinese nickname 麻辣鸡 (Málàjī) meaning “Spicy Chicken” is a bold and flavorful title inspired by Sichuan cuisine — famous for its málà (麻辣) taste a numbing and spicy sensation. Much like Sichuan’s fiery dishes Nicki’s music style and public persona are described by her Chinese fans as intense unapologetic and provocative. The nickname draws a vivid parallel between her powerful performances and the spicy unforgettable flavor of Sichuan food making it one of the most unique and memorable celebrity nicknames in Chinese culture.

麻辣鸡
Málàjī
(lit. “hot-numbing-chicken”)

✨ Full name: 妮琪·米娜 (Nīqí Mǐnà)

08. “Fruit Sister”

Katy Perry’s Chinese nickname 水果姐 (Shuǐguǒjiě) meaning “Fruit Sister” stems from her iconic love for colorful fruit-themed fashion, known for her playful stage outfits, featuring bananas, strawberries and watermelons. Katy quickly won the hearts of Chinese fans who affectionately named her Fruit Sister. This nickname celebrates her whimsical persona, vibrant image and her popularity in Chinese pop culture. It remains one of the most creative and recognizable celebrity nicknames in Mandarin.

水果姐
Shuǐguǒjiě
(lit. “fruit-sister”)

✨ Full name: 凯蒂·佩里 (Kǎidì Pèilǐ)

Take it Further

Want to learn more about Chinese nicknames and explore Chinese culture in a fun way? Book a free trial class with That’s Mandarin and chat with our native Chinese teachers about the unique ways Western celebrities are named in Chinese!

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FAQ: Chinese Nicknames of Western Celebrities

01. Why do Western celebrities have Chinese nicknames?

Chinese fans often give Western celebrities creative nicknames based on pronunciation, appearance, public persona. These nicknames make celebrities more relatable and reflect popular trends in Chinese internet culture.

02. Are Chinese celebrity nicknames respectful mocking?

Most of the time these Chinese nicknames are playful and affectionate. They show admiration, humor and are rarely intended to be offensive. For example “Sweet Tea” for Timothée Chalamet or “Little Plum” for Leonardo DiCaprio are fan favorites.

03. What does Katy Perry’s Chinese nickname mean?

Katy Perry’s nickname is 水果姐 (Shuǐguǒjiě) which translates to “Fruit Sister”. It refers to her fun colorful fashion style, featuring fruit-themed costumes and visuals.

04. How is Taylor Swift known in Chinese internet culture?

Taylor Swift is affectionately called 霉霉 (Méimei) meaning “Moldy Moldy”. It started humorously due to her early struggles on music charts but fans use it with love and admiration now.

05. What do these nicknames reveal about Chinese culture?

These nicknames highlight Chinese linguistic creativity, wordplay and the importance of pop culture localization. They also reflect how language and humor shape fandoms in Mandarin-speaking communities.

06. Can I learn more about this in a Chinese language class?

Yes! You can explore these fun cultural nuances in a Mandarin course with native teachers. Book a free trial class at That’s Mandarin to discuss nicknames and slang with experts.