Bai Yang

School of English Studies Xi'an International Studies University

Abstract：

This study conducts a pragmatic analysis of the internet meme “ai ni lao ji” (Love ya, myself). Drawing on Levinson’s deixis theory, it shows how this viral coinage transforms self-reference by replacing the reflexive pronoun “zi ji” with “lao ji”. Analysis of 320 posts from Weibo and Xiaohongshu reveals that over 95% of cases use this new structure to comfort or encourage the self. It finds that this expression reconstructs the deictic relationship between the speaker and the self through its unique linguistic form, so it can fulfill specific communicative functions. Unlike the traditional reflexive structure “ai ni zi ji” (love yourself), “ai ni lao ji” employs a transitive structure that objectifies the self into an independent other, termed ”lao ji”. This deictic reconstruction creates crucial psychological distance, allowing the speaker to shift from a self-scrutinizer to a self-carer. Consequently, the expression establishes a gentle mode of self-dialogue, which effectively soften self-criticism and facilitates emotional resonance within social networks. The study argues that such linguistic creativity helps young people manage stress and share vulnerable moments safely online.

Key Words：

deixis; self-dialogue; person deixis; speech acts; internet slang; pragmatic innovation