'Dāi méng' is a popular internet-derived adjective that blends two concepts: 'dāi' (literally 'dull' or 'stupid') and 'méng' (meaning 'cute', 'adorable', or 'innocent'). Together, they describe a charmingly clueless or vacant expression—often with wide eyes, slack jaw, or blank stare—that somehow radiates endearing innocence rather than actual dullness. It’s not an insult; it’s affectionate teasing, emphasizing the contrast between apparent lack of awareness and overwhelming cuteness.

The term is especially common when describing animals (like pandas or puppies), anime characters, or young children who look bewildered yet irresistibly sweet. It’s frequently used in social media captions, fan comments, and casual speech among younger Chinese speakers. Unlike pure 'meng', which focuses only on cuteness, 'dāi méng' specifically highlights that gentle, slightly dazed, 'out-of-it' quality that makes something extra lovable—and often highly shareable online.