'Kěn lǎo' literally means 'to gnaw the elderly'—a vivid, slightly critical idiom describing adult children who remain financially dependent on their parents well into adulthood. The character 啃 (kěn) evokes the image of chewing or gnawing, suggesting persistent, sometimes draining reliance; 老 (lǎo) refers to elders, specifically parents. Together, they form a metaphorical expression highlighting intergenerational economic imbalance and societal concern about delayed independence.

This term is commonly used in discussions about youth unemployment, rising living costs, and shifting family expectations in urban China. It carries a mildly disapproving or humorous tone—often appearing in media, social commentary, and family conversations—but is not inherently insulting. While it implies prolonged dependence, it doesn’t specify cause (e.g., unemployment, mental health challenges, or cultural norms), making context essential for accurate interpretation.