Abstract: The present paper aims to revisit the self-denigration phenomenon in modern Chinese, hence providing an overview of a key sociopragmatic phenomenon. By drawing data from structured interviews and computer-mediated communication (CMC), we aim to prove the following: Self-denigration has changed together with Chinese interpersonal communication and is being used in significantly innovative ways in modern Chinese, in particular in online interactions. Many historical self-denigrating expressions are still alive and kicking, but they tend to fulfil functions that do not fit into the conventional understanding of ‘self-denigration’. In addition, many newly invented self-denigrating expressions are popular in CMC. Self-denigration has gained diverse pragmatic functions in modern Chinese, ranging from polite to impolite. We argue that self-denigrating expressions are, by default, ambiguous and potentially even impolite rather than polite in modern Chinese interpersonal interaction.

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Keywords: self-denigration; (im)politeness; CMC; pragmatic functions; modern Chinese