Meaning:
This term is a translation of the English term “flash mob” or “smart mob.” A flash mob, first appearing in New York City in 2000, is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then quickly disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire and artistic expression. Flash mobs are organized via telecommunications, social media, or viral emails. A similar term “smart mob” refers to publicity stunts and performances organized for the purposes of politics or commercial advertisement by public relation firms, whose participants are paid professionals. While the Chinese term applies to both scenarios.
Example:
A: 我们打算周末在社区公园组织一次快闪，你参加吗？
Wǒmen dǎsuàn zhōumò zài shèqū gōngyuán zǔzhī yīcì kuàishǎn，nǐ cānjiā ma？
We are planning a flash mob event this weekend at the community park. Will you come?
B: 什么主题？
Shénme zhǔtí？
What’s it about?
A: 我们编了一首歌舞，宣传垃圾分类。
Wǒmen biān le yīshǒu gēwǔ，xuānchuán lājī fènlèi。
We plan a song and dance to promote garbage recycling.
B: 算我一份。
Suàn wǒ yīfèn。
Count me in.