If you've ever wondered why Taylor Swift is called "Unlucky" in China, or why Ed Sheeran has mysteriously become a "Boss," welcome to one of the internet's most delightful rabbit holes. Chinese netizens have turned the art of nicknaming foreign celebrities into a creative sport—one that combines linguistic wordplay, cultural observation, and a healthy dose of affection.
These nicknames aren't official translations. They're organic creations born from fan communities, social media platforms, and the unique characteristics of the Chinese language. Some are based on clever pronunciation tricks, others on memorable incidents, and a few on the celebrities' most iconic roles. What makes them fascinating isn't just their creativity, but how they reveal a playful, intimate relationship between Chinese fans and international stars.
Let's decode some of the most popular Chinese nicknames for Western celebrities, organized by the ingenious methods behind them.
The Homophone Masters
Chinese is a language built for puns. With thousands of characters sharing similar sounds, netizens have become masters at finding Chinese words that sound like English names—often with hilariously apt meanings.
Taylor Swift: 霉霉 (Méi Méi) – "Unlucky-Unlucky"
Taylor Swift's Chinese nickname might sound harsh at first. "霉" (méi) means "moldy" or "unlucky," and doubling it creates "霉霉" (Méi Méi), which phonetically echoes her first name. The nickname originated during her early career when several of her singles climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, falling just short of the top spot. Fans sympathetically dubbed her "unlucky," and the name stuck.
But here's the twist: "霉霉" is a homophone for "美美" (Měi Měi), which means "beautiful-beautiful." This dual meaning transformed what started as gentle teasing into a term of endearment—a linguistic hug that says, "We love you even when things don't go your way." When Swift learned about her nickname, she embraced it warmly. She even had "Méi Méi" trademarked in China, cementing her acceptance of this quirky badge of honor.
Britney Spears: 小甜甜 (Xiǎo Tiántián) – "Little Sweetie" or "Little Honey"
Britney Spears' Chinese nickname "小甜甜" (Xiǎo Tiántián) perfectly combines sound and image. The "B-r-i-t" part of her name "Britney" sounds very similar to the last character in the Chinese transliteration, "布兰甜" (Bù Lán Tián), where "甜" (tián) means "sweet" or "cute." In the early stages of her career, Britney was known for her pure and energetic "girl next door" image, particularly during the eras of ...Baby One More Time and Oops!... I Did It Again.
Fans added "小" (xiǎo) for "little" and the doubled character "甜甜" (Tiántián) to create "小甜甜"—a term of endearment that captures both the phonetics in her name and her sweet image. The nickname became the defining term for her pop culture identity, emphasizing her iconic status as the "Princess of Pop" in the early millennium.
Ed Sheeran: 黄老板 (Huáng Lǎobǎn) – "Boss Huang"
Ed Sheeran's journey to becoming "Boss Huang" is a story of grassroots fandom. Before he became a household name in China, a user on the Chinese video platform AcFun (A站) with the username "黄老板" (Boss Huang) was tirelessly promoting Sheeran's music. This dedicated fan registered the ID "Ed Sheeran" on the platform and shared his songs, introducing him to Chinese audiences. Over time, people began associating the musician himself with the username, and "Boss Huang" became his unofficial title.
The name fits perfectly. "黄" (huáng) means "yellow," a nod to his distinctive ginger hair, while "老板" (lǎobǎn) means "boss"—a title of respect in Chinese business culture that also suggests mastery and authority. When Sheeran was told about his Chinese nickname in an interview, he chuckled and said he found the "Boss" designation pretty cool.
Troye Sivan: 戳爷 (Chuō Yé) – "Poke Master"
Australian singer-songwriter Troye Sivan's Chinese nickname is delightfully straightforward. His first name "Troye" sounds remarkably like "戳" (chuō), which means "to poke" or "to jab." Adding "爷" (yé), an informal suffix meaning "lord" or "master" (similar to calling someone "bro" or "dude"), creates "戳爷"—essentially, "Lord Poke" or "Poke Master." It's playful, easy to remember, and perfectly captures the affectionate irreverence of Chinese internet culture.
Jessie J: 结石姐 (Jiéshí Jiě) – "Kidney Stone Sister"
British singer Jessie J's nickname is perhaps the most medically creative. "Jessie" phonetically resembles "结石" (jiéshí), which means "kidney stone" in Chinese. Fans added "姐" (jiě), meaning "sister" or "big sis," turning it into "结石姐"—"Kidney Stone Sister." Despite the unfortunate medical imagery, the "sister" suffix makes it endearing, following the Chinese internet tradition of addressing female celebrities with familial terms of affection.
Ryan Gosling: 高司令 (Gāo Sīlìng) – "Commander Gao"
"Gosling" transforms beautifully into "高司令" (Gāo Sīlìng) in Chinese. While "高" (gāo) means "tall" (fitting for the 6-foot actor), "司令" (sīlìng) means "commander"—a military rank that adds an air of authority and cool factor. The nickname perfectly suits his suave, often intense screen presence. Fans simply call him "Commander Gao," turning the Canadian actor into an honorary Chinese officer.
Lost (and Found) in Translation
Sometimes the simplest approach works best. These nicknames come from directly translating English names into Chinese—and discovering that the literal meanings are surprisingly fitting.
Emma Stone: 石头姐 (Shítóu Jiě) – "Stone Sister"
Emma Stone's surname translates directly to "石头" (shítóu), meaning "stone." Add the affectionate "姐" (jiě) for "sister," and you get "石头姐"—"Stone Sister." It's straightforward, memorable, and captures both her name and her down-to-earth, relatable personality. The nickname also echoes the way Chinese fans address other beloved actresses, creating a sense of familial warmth.
Orlando Bloom: 开花 (Kāi Huā) – "Blooming" or "Opening Flower"
The surname "Bloom" translates beautifully to "开花" (kāi huā), which means "to bloom" or "flower opening." For Orlando Bloom, who captured hearts as the ethereally handsome elf Legolas in The Lord of the Rings, the nickname is almost poetic. "Opening Flower" perfectly suits his delicate, otherworldly beauty in those early roles. Fans embraced the name because it captures both the literal translation and the visual impression he left on audiences.
Bruno Mars: 火星哥 (Huǒxīng Gē) – "Mars Brother"
"Mars" is "火星" (huǒxīng) in Chinese—literally "fire star." Add "哥" (gē), meaning "brother" or "guy," and Bruno Mars becomes "火星哥," or "Mars Brother." The "fire" element is especially fitting given his explosive energy on stage and his blazing vocal performances. It's a nickname that sounds cool in both languages and captures his dynamic stage presence.
The Backstory Brigade
These are the nicknames with the most elaborate origin stories—inside jokes that require you to know the lore. They're the hardest for outsiders to understand but the most rewarding once you're in on the secret.
Rihanna: 山东天后 (Shāndōng Tiānhòu) – "Shandong Queen" or "Shandong's Diva"
Rihanna's connection to Shandong Province might seem random, but it's rooted in a hilarious series of mistranslations by Chinese fans. Her hit single "We Found Love" was misheard as "潍坊的爱" (Wéifāng de Ài)—"Weifang's Love," referring to a city in Shandong. Another song, "Where Have You Been," became "威海油饼" (Wēihǎi Yóubǐng)—"Weihai Oil Cake," after another Shandong city. And when she collaborated with Coldplay on "Princess of China," fans jokingly dubbed her the "Princess of Daming Lake" in Jinan, the provincial capital.
With three separate Shandong references, Chinese netizens crowned her the province's unofficial musical ambassador. The nickname "Shandong Queen" stuck, transforming a series of phonetic accidents into an endearing running joke. Rihanna's music career may span the globe, but in Chinese internet lore, her spiritual home is Shandong.
Lady Gaga: 鳖鳖 (Biē Biē) – "Turtle-Turtle" or "Uncool-Uncool"
Lady Gaga's nickname has a slightly cheeky origin. When she first emerged with her avant-garde fashion choices and raw meat dresses, some Chinese netizens found her style "too much" and sarcastically called her "土鳖" (tǔ biē)—essentially "tacky turtle" or "uncool." But her devoted fans, embracing the self-deprecating humor common in Chinese fandom, shortened it to "鳖鳖" (Biē Biē) and adopted it as a badge of honor.
The nickname evolved from mockery to affection. "Biē Biē" became a term of endearment, showing that her fans loved her precisely because she dared to be different. In Chinese internet culture, reclaiming a teasing nickname is the ultimate sign of fandom loyalty.
IShowSpeed: 甲亢哥 (JiǎKàng Gē) – "Hyperthyroid Brother"
American YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed (real name Darren Watkins Jr.) earned one of the most medically specific nicknames in recent memory. Known for his hyperactive, high-energy streaming style—often screaming, jumping, and "going crazy" on camera—Chinese viewers nicknamed him "甲亢哥" (JiǎKàng Gē), which translates to "Hyperthyroid Brother." Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition that causes excessive energy, restlessness, and hyperactivity—symptoms that, to Chinese netizens, perfectly described his on-screen persona.
The nickname went mainstream when IShowSpeed visited China in 2025, livestreaming from Shanghai, Beijing, and other cities. His enthusiastic reactions to Chinese high-speed trains, street food, and even kung fu training at the Shaolin Temple endeared him to Chinese audiences. The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. even praised his trip for bridging cultural gaps. With over 37 million YouTube subscribers, "甲亢哥" has become one of the most prominent foreign internet personalities embraced by Chinese netizens.
Appearance-Based Affection
Physical features are fair game in Chinese nicknaming culture—but almost always in a spirit of affection. These names highlight distinctive looks that make celebrities memorable.
Michael Fassbender: 法鲨 (Fǎ Shā) – "Shark Fass"
German-Irish actor Michael Fassbender's nickname is a brilliant fusion of translation and observation. His surname "Fassbender" begins with "Fass," which becomes "法" (fǎ) in Chinese. But the real genius is the second character: "鲨" (shā), meaning "shark." Why shark? Because Fassbender's smile—intense, sharp, and slightly predatory—reminded Chinese fans of a shark's grin. The combination creates "法鲨" (Fǎ Shā), or "Shark Fass," a nickname that captures both his name and his distinctive on-screen intensity.
Chris Evans: 桃总 (Táo Zǒng) – "Peach Boss" or "Kiwi Chief"
Chris Evans, beloved for playing Captain America, has a delightfully fuzzy nickname. When he's not filming and lets his beard grow out, fans thought his face looked like a fuzzy kiwi fruit or peach—soft and fuzzy on the outside. "桃" (táo) can mean "peach" or refer to something fuzzy like a kiwi, while "总" (zǒng) means "boss" or "chief," adding a playful touch of authority. The nickname affectionately teases his off-duty scruffiness while acknowledging his A-list status.
Eddie Redmayne: 小雀斑 (Xiǎo Quèbān) – "Little Freckles"
Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne's nickname requires no elaborate explanation. One look at his face and you understand: "小雀斑" (Xiǎo Quèbān) means "little freckles." "小" (xiǎo) means "little" or "young," while "雀斑" (quèbān) literally means "sparrow spots"—a poetic way to describe freckles in Chinese. The nickname perfectly captures his boyish charm and distinctive appearance, turning what some might see as an imperfection into an endearing trademark.
Leonardo DiCaprio: 小李子 (Xiǎo Lǐzi) – "Little Plum" or "Little Li"
Leonardo DiCaprio's Chinese name, "李奥纳多" (Lǐ Ào nà duō), begins with "李" (Lǐ), a common Chinese surname that also means "plum." Adding "小" (xiǎo) for "little" creates "小李子" (Xiǎo Lǐzi)—"Little Plum" or "Little Li." The nickname carries multiple layers of affection: it sounds intimate and familial, like calling someone by a childhood name.
When DiCaprio opened a Weibo account, Chinese fans went wild, flooding his posts with memes and affectionate teasing about his weight fluctuations and his long wait for an Oscar. The good-natured ribbing is a sign of how close Chinese fans feel to "Little Plum"—he's not a distant Hollywood star; he's practically family.
Benedict Cumberbatch: 卷福 (Juǎn Fú) – "Curly Fu" or "Curly Blessing"
Benedict Cumberbatch's nickname is a masterclass in efficient Chinese nicknaming. "卷" (juǎn) means "curly," referring to the distinctive curly hair he sported as Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series. "福" (fú) is the first syllable of "Sherlock Holmes" in Chinese ("福尔摩斯," Fú'ěr mó sī), and it also means "fortune" or "blessing." Together, "卷福" (Juǎn Fú) creates "Curly Sherlock" or, more poetically, "Curly Blessing."
The nickname is so clever that it works on three levels: it references his hair, his most famous role, and carries positive connotations. It's the kind of linguistic efficiency that Chinese internet culture celebrates.
When the Role Becomes Reality
Some actors become so synonymous with their most iconic roles that fans simply stop using their real names. These nicknames are tributes to performances so memorable they eclipsed the person behind them.
Scarlett Johansson: 寡姐 (Guǎ Jiě) – "Widow Sister"
Scarlett Johansson's most famous Chinese nickname comes from her role as Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. "寡" (guǎ) is short for "黑寡妇" (hēi guǎfu), "Black Widow," and "姐" (jiě) means "sister." Together, "寡姐" (Guǎ Jiě) translates to "Widow Sister," a nickname that balances her tough, spy-assassin persona with affectionate familiarity.
But Scarlett has another Chinese nickname with an even better story: "汤包" (Tāng Bāo), meaning "soup dumpling." During a 2011 visit to Shanghai, she tried xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) for the first time and burned her tongue on the scalding broth inside—a rite of passage for anyone eating them. When she learned about the "Soup Dumpling" nickname during a 2014 press event in Beijing, she laughed and said she loved it, joking that she initially thought fans were calling her that because she looked "round and plump." She's since mastered the art of eating soup dumplings properly, sipping the broth first to avoid burns.
Chris Hemsworth: 锤哥 (Chuí Gē) – "Hammer Brother"
Chris Hemsworth's nickname is straightforward: he plays Thor, the Norse god of thunder who wields Mjolnir, a massive hammer. "锤" (chuí) means "hammer," and "哥" (gē) means "brother" or "guy." Thus, he's "锤哥" (Chuí Gē)—"Hammer Brother." It's concise, memorable, and instantly connects him to the role that made him a global superstar. For Chinese Marvel fans, calling him "Hammer Brother" is more intuitive than remembering "Chris Hemsworth."
Hugh Jackman: 狼叔 (Láng Shū) – "Uncle Wolf" or "Wolf Uncle"
Hugh Jackman played Wolverine in the X-Men franchise for 17 years, creating one of the most iconic performances in superhero cinema. "狼" (láng) means "wolf," referencing Wolverine's animalistic ferocity and healing powers. "叔" (shū) means "uncle," a respectful term in Chinese for an older male figure. "狼叔" (Láng Shū)—"Uncle Wolf"—combines respect for Jackman's age and experience with recognition of his most defining role.
The "uncle" designation also reflects a generational affection. Many Chinese fans grew up watching Jackman's Wolverine, and as they aged, so did he. Calling him "Uncle Wolf" acknowledges that shared journey.
Jim Parsons: 谢耳朵 (Xiè Ĝr Duo) – "Xie Erduo" (Sheldon's Chinese name)
Jim Parsons is so completely identified with Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory that Chinese fans essentially skipped his real name entirely. Sheldon's Chinese name in the show's dubbed version is "谢尔顿" (Xiè ěr dùn), which fans affectionately shortened to "谢耳朵" (Xiè Ĝr Duo)—a playful variation that sounds cute and memorable.
The show was massively popular in China, particularly among students and tech workers who saw themselves in the socially awkward, brilliant characters. For many Chinese viewers, Jim Parsons is Sheldon Cooper, making his real name almost superfluous.
Katy Perry: 水果姐 (Shuǐguǒ Jiě) – "Fruit Sister"
Katy Perry's nickname bridges the appearance and character categories. During her early career, she frequently performed with giant fruit props—watermelons, strawberries, bananas—and wore fruit-themed costumes, including the infamous watermelon-cup bra. Her colorful, playful stage presence was so fruit-forward that Chinese fans dubbed her "水果姐" (Shuǐguǒ Jiě)—"Fruit Sister."
The nickname captures her fun, irreverent aesthetic during the Teenage Dream and California Gurls era, when she fully embraced campy pop maximalism. It's a name that reflects her artistic choices as much as any single role.
Why These Nicknames Matter
These nicknames are more than just clever wordplay. They represent a unique form of cross-cultural dialogue—one where Chinese fans actively participate in shaping how international celebrities exist in their digital landscape. Instead of passively accepting official translations or media-approved names, netizens create their own terms of endearment that feel authentic, personal, and rooted in their own language and humor.
What's remarkable is how many celebrities have embraced these nicknames. Taylor Swift trademarked "Méi Méi." Scarlett Johansson laughed about being "Soup Dumpling." Ed Sheeran thought "Boss Huang" was cool. These responses show a willingness to meet Chinese fans on their own cultural terms—to accept that being beloved means being given a name that might sound strange in English but carries warmth and wit in Chinese.
For anyone learning Chinese or trying to understand Chinese internet culture, these nicknames are a perfect entry point. They showcase the language's tonal flexibility, its love of puns, and the Chinese internet's unmatched creativity in finding connections between sounds, meanings, and cultural references. They also reveal something deeper: in a globalized world, fandom isn't a one-way street. Chinese netizens don't just consume Western pop culture—they remix it, rename it, and make it their own.
So next time you hear someone mention "霉霉," "狼叔," or "甲亢哥," you'll know you're not just hearing a name. You're hearing a story, a joke, and a small act of cultural translation—all wrapped up in two elegant Chinese characters.