学 (xué): This character means “to study” or “to learn.” It's a fundamental component of words related to education, like 学生 (xuésheng - student) and 学校 (xuéxiào - school).
渣 (zhā): This character means “dregs,” “residue,” or “scum.” It refers to the worthless material left over after a process, like tea dregs (茶渣 cházhā) or bean curd dregs (豆渣 dòuzhā). It carries a strong negative connotation of being low-quality or worthless.
Combining these two characters creates a powerful and visceral image: an “academic dreg.” It implies someone who is at the very bottom of the academic barrel, the leftover residue of the educational process.
“学渣” is extremely common in informal settings, especially among students and young adults.
Self-Deprecation (Most Common Use): Students frequently call themselves a “学渣” to be humble, manage expectations, or find humor in their academic struggles. It's a way of saying, “Don't expect much from me, I'm not a genius.”
Teasing Friends: It can be used to affectionately tease a friend who is procrastinating or complaining about homework. The tone is key; among friends, it's a joke, but from a superior (like a teacher), it would be a harsh insult.
Internet and Meme Culture: The term is rampant on Chinese social media like Weibo and Douyin. Memes often contrast the study habits of a “学霸” with those of a “学渣,” especially during exam season.
The term is almost exclusively negative in its literal meaning but is often used in a neutral-to-positive social context (e.g., bonding over shared struggles). It is highly informal and should not be used in formal essays or in conversations with teachers or elders.