848 results found
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe strenuous tasks that are almost impossible to complete.
Usage: E.g. Getting my son to do homework is like pulling a cow up the tree!
Synonym: 拉牛上樹
Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms
Definition: Derived from the Chinese internet slang '躺平', this is an Englishised code-mixing term used to describe a lifestyle of doing as little as possible, due to knowing that there is a 'rat race' going on where everyone is competing for jobs such that it is almost impossible to keep up with the societal pressure.
Usage: E.g. This exam is so difficult! I am lying flat! E.g. I am not lying flat! I must continue to find a better job!
Synonym: 躺平
Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-internet-and-texting-slang-to-use-right-now
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe having done a task, which is similar to 'All done!'. Sometimes, '搞掂食碗麵' can be shortened to '搞掂'.
Usage: E.g. I have finally done this task! Gau dim eat bowl noodle!
Synonym: 搞掂食碗麵
Definition: Derived from '老屎忽' meaning 'old buttocks', this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase used to refer to a person who has high authority in a company but often looks down on the subordinates, points fingers at them, and uses them to his or her advantage.
Usage: E.g. My senior is such an old seafood! He just likes to point his finger at people and doesn't do anything himself!
Synonym: 老屎忽
Definition: (verb) A code-mixing term that local Hong Kongers like to use to refer to paper being stuck in a printer.
Usage: E.g. 個printer又jam紙?唔係掛?
Synonym: 卡住紙
Reference: https://www.threads.net/@hongtonese/post/C8zlfwZytLZ
Definition: Derived from the punning of '縮腳' with '叔' (uncle) having a similar pronunciation as '縮' (to shrink) , this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that is used to tell someone to watch their feet.
Usage: Eg. I am mopping the floor. Uncle feet!
Synonym: 縮腳
Reference: https://youtu.be/_3hhDIErE2g?si=SLsZUTCKhV5cfm8x
Definition: Originated from the song "Doot Doot (6 7)" by Skrilla, this is a code-mixing term used by Gen Z westernised Hong Kongers when they want to say 'I don't know' or refer to something 'so-so' as a rating. Sometimes, it may have no meaning at all, even when the person is juggling both hands up and down excitedly. Coincidently, six seven looks similar to the Cantonese expression '碌柒', which has the literal meaning of 'a stick of dick' and refers to an idiot.
Usage: E.g. A: How was the movie? B: Six seven. *Hands juggling up and down* (So-so.) E.g. A: What is the answer to this question? B: Six seven! (I don't f***ing know.)
Synonym: 唔撚知, 係喇掛
Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQbVj-KkvEX/?hl=en (use mobile version)
Definition: (Jyutping) Ask for the reason of things happened
Usage: Dim gaai zeoi gan sing jat lok jyu? (點解最近成日落雨?) - Why it always rain recently?
Synonym: 點解, Why, 為什麼
Definition: A Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to someone who disappeared for a long time and no one knows where they are.
Usage: E.g. A: Where did your classmate go? B: I think he dived under water.
Synonym: 潛水
Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/cantonese-slang-of-the-week-diving-under-water
Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by the K-pop singer Jackson Wang (王嘉爾) when he has nothing to say. Even though he was born in Hong Kong, it is often said that he has real American Born Chinese vibe, due to his strong knowledge of English filler terms while speaking in Cantonese.
Usage: E.g. 我從運動員到練習生到出道,去海外,我自己覺得我係捱到既。但係有時呢D咁既野真係hit到我,我真係...i don't know. (From being an athlete to a trainee to debut then overseas, I always thought I could endure. But when there were things that hit me sometimes, I really just... I don't know.)
Synonym: 我唔知
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7-73ZG8G2s