182 results found
Definition: Often transliterated and pronounced as the loan phrase '肥佬' meaning 'fat guy', this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe getting an unsuccessful result when doing something. Sometimes, it can be shortened to '肥' (fat) as a verb.
Usage: E.g. 哎呀！今次考試肥左佬！
E.g. 唔係掛？考咁多次都肥？！Synonym: 肥佬Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/16296/
Definition: Derived from the Chinese term '內卷' and often translated as 'involution', this is an Englishised code-mixing term that describes an economic situation where excessive competition does not lead to development and innovation. This may lead to people feeling stressed, anxious, and trapped, as the two characters mean 'inside rolling'.
Usage: E.g. I'm stuck in the rat race! I'm so tired of competing with everyone just to climb the career ladder!Synonym: 內卷Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjTg1G8rpVc
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: A romanised code-mixing phrase that Hong Kong expats use when they don't understand what someone is saying in Cantonese.
Usage: Hong Konger: 你叫咩名? Expat: Mm sick teng.Synonym: 唔識聽Reference: https://geoexpat.com/forum/53/thread22332-2.html
Definition: (Kongish) When something goes completely wrong. Or doesn't work out (fail, flop)
Usage: Sei fo! We didn't prepare for the presentation today. It was a total flop!Synonym: 死火
Definition: Pronounced with a rising intonation on the second syllable, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to doing something at exactly the right time, such as a love relationship.
Usage: E.g. 其實愛情都幾講timing。有時要搵啱個timing先可以喺埋一齊。Synonym: 時機Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/60469/page/1
Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers like to use to describe something that is not yet done or paid.
Usage: E.g. 依家仲有咩case係outstanding?Synonym: 未解決
Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers like to use to describe a job that must be done in a company office.
Usage: E.g. 份合約講明份工要onsite做，冇得work from home。Synonym: 現場，在工地
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