'Là mèi' (spicy girl) is a playful, informal Chinese slang term for a bold, confident, stylish, and often fashion-forward young woman. The character 辣 (là) literally means 'spicy'—evoking heat, intensity, and zest—while 妹 (mèi) means 'younger sister' and functions here as a colloquial, affectionate suffix for young women, similar to 'girl' or 'gal' in English. Together, they form a vivid metaphor: just as spicy food stimulates the senses, a 'là mèi' stands out with charisma, attitude, and flair.

This term is widely used in urban, youth-oriented contexts—especially online, in fashion blogs, or casual conversation—and carries positive connotations of independence and charm. It’s not tied to literal spiciness or food; rather, it’s about personality and presence. While originally influenced by Hong Kong and Taiwanese pop culture, it’s now common across mainland China among millennials and Gen Z. Note that it’s rarely used in formal writing or professional settings.