ETYMOLOGY
The evolution of jiyou mirrors China's internet subculture development:
In 2008, the Cantonese term "基" (gay) spread through Hong Kong movie subtitles. When Happy Together was subbed by fans, the playful translation stuck.
The game-changer came with League of Legends' 2012 China release. Male players jokingly called team-building "基友养成" (developing bromance). A viral post on Tieba - "All-nighter with my 3 dorm jiyou" - received 100k+ shares, sanitizing the term.
By 2016, debate show U Can You BB featured contestants quipping: "This is pure jiyou relationship!" Baidu data showed 60% searches came from Gen Z.
Cultural landmarks:• Esports: "ADC and support must be jiyou or they'll tilt"• Anime fandom: Japanese doujin circles adopted "基友戦線" tags• Merchandising: Taobao sells matching "基友证" (bromance certificates)