TAIPEI - Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen sparked a social media buzz this week after using the internet shorthand "YBSG" for the Japanese slang "yabasugi," among other references to Japan's youth culture.

The Japanese word, which translates as "too crazy" or "mind-blowing," is an intensified form of the widely used slang term "yabai," which expresses shock, excitement and often means "amazing" and "incredible."

On Thursday, Tsai commented "YBSG" in response to a post about sushi made with taro, as she is known to be a lover of the root vegetable. Later in the day, she posted an image of herself with the abbreviation again, saying many internet users might be searching for what it means.

In a follow-up post Friday, she also referred to friendship between Taiwan and Japan followed by "YBSG."

The term has become a trending search keyword among Taiwanese internet users, according to local media. Online reactions poured in, with comments such as, "I had to Google what YBSG means." and "I love it so much YBSG."

Tsai served as Taiwan's leader for two consecutive terms between 2016 to 2024.