These characters combine to mean “destroy the three views.” The “three views” (三观 sān guān) are a foundational concept in Chinese thought, referring to:
So, `毁三观` means to have this entire framework of understanding annihilated by a shocking event or piece of information.
`毁三观` is a quintessential product of the modern Chinese internet. In an era of information overload, where bizarre news, extreme social behaviors, and strange online trends are constantly surfacing, this term became the perfect shorthand to express a specific kind of modern-day shock and disillusionment. A close Western comparison might be a mix of phrases like “mind-blowing,” “that broke my brain,” or “faith in humanity lost.” However, `毁三观` is more specific and profound. While a beautiful film can be “mind-blowing” in a positive way, `毁三观` is almost exclusively used for negative, bizarre, or morally shocking situations. It's not just surprise; it's a fundamental challenge to your sense of normalcy and decency. The term captures the feeling of witnessing something so far outside the established social norms that it forces you to redraw your map of reality.
`毁三观` is extremely common on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, Douyin, and Bilibili, often used in comments sections of news articles or videos depicting shocking behavior.