ETYMOLOGY
The phrase exploded in 2016 through the viral Yunnan folk song Old Driver Take Me Along, where a girl's literal request for a ride was reinterpreted by Bilibili users as a metaphor for resource sharing.
Evolution timeline:
Phase 1 (2016-2017): Used in anime/gaming circles for pirate content sharersPhase 2 (2018-2019): Adopted by adult forums as code for NSFL content kingsPhase 3 (2020-present): Mainstream platforms sanitized usage, e.g., Zhihu tutorials titled Python Sauce Master GuideCultural insight: This linguistic innovation demonstrates how Chinese netizens creatively bypass content restrictions. Using transportation jargon (driver/passenger/‘taking a ride’) allows discreet discussions about sensitive material – think of it as the digital equivalent of speakeasy passwords during Prohibition.