Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

Definition: Often repeated after '所以' (so) in Cantonese, this is to reinforce what this speaker is trying to explain, especially in a work situation.

Usage: E.g. 程序上有好多野要double confirm，所以that's why個project到兒家仲未出街。

Definition: Became known by the TVB episode 'The Queen of News', this is a code-mixing phrase said by working class Hong Kongers to encourage people to continue doing what they have set out to do, even if it means taking risks and receiving consequences.

Usage: E.g. 冇人敢報等我嚟吖！萬一touchwood報錯咪賴落我度咯，I have nothing to lose。我宗旨好簡單，the show must go on。(If no one dares to report this, then I'll do it! If the news turn out to be wrong, then blame it on me, touchwood. I have nothing to lose. My goal is very simple, the show must go on.)

Synonym: 表演必須繼續

Reference: https://hk.ulifestyle.com.hk/topic/detail/20021530/新聞女王-高海寧重現主播喊住報死訊新聞一幕-雙眼通紅淚珠滑落與現實如出一轍/1

Definition: A Hong Kong style business trip where one tries to enjoy himself like going on a vacation, in addition to visiting a client for work purposes.

Usage: E.g. 老闆：下個星期你要幫我出trip見個客，知道嗎？　你：好呀！ E.g. 唔知今次出trip好唔好玩呢？

Reference: https://www.esquirehk.com/mens-talk/simon-shen-hong-kong-english-chinese

Definition: Purportedly to have come from JobsDB applications, this is a code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers as a less direct way of informing someone the very small chance of good news happening, such as the extension of an employee's contract.

Usage: E.g. 下屬：請問我大唔大可能會續約？ 上司：暫時黎講，續約係會unlikely。(Employee: May I ask how likely my contract will extend? Employer: As of now, the chance of extending your contract is unlikely.)

Synonym: 唔大可能; 冇可能

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2591532/page/1

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to demand immediate attention towards a matter without sounding like they are in such a hurry or wanting the other person to hurry the f*** up.

Usage: E.g. 呢個係一個urgent既task。B: 明白 (Understood) E.g. 呢個係一個緊急既任務。B: 洗唔洗咁急呀？(Why is there such a hurry?)

Synonym: 緊急

Reference: https://ezone.hk/article/20052634/香港職場中英夾雜用語-內地網民舉30個例子-表示識粵語都無法理解

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by grassroots Hong Kongers when they want to express gratitude for something they have received, such as an email with an attachment. However, the working class Hong Kongers realise that this is probably not such a suitable term for them to use so they say 'Noted/Received with thanks'.

Usage: E.g. Well-received with thanks.

Synonym: 收到

Reference: https://graduate.ctgoodjobs.hk/article/35656/電郵技巧｜商用電郵｜職場英語-10個打工仔常犯的英文email錯誤-please-kindly-well-received-with-thanks-都係錯-內附正確寫法

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers when they want to express their dissatisfaction towards someone or something when they are running out of patience. Also, a 'la' particle is usually added to the end of it to emphasize the casual tone.

Usage: E.g. Ａ：個客講左D咩? Ｂ：咪話過要呢樣又嗰樣囉，總之whatever啦。(A: What did the client say? B: Said they wanted this and that, just... whatever la.) E.g. Ａ：今餐想食Ｄ咩？ Ｂ：Whatever啦。(A: What do you want to eat for this meal? B: Whatever la.)

Synonym: 咩都好啦

Reference: https://www.tkww.hk/epaper/view/newsDetail/1505250505201422336.html

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to a written test created by companies for job candidates, which can be easy or difficult depending on the situation. Sometimes, it can also be very 'chur' to do due to a company's limited time.

Usage: E.g. 一入到去未擺低袋就俾張紙我做 Written Test，限時 20 分鐘。(When I arrived and before I even put my bag down, they gave me a piece of paper to do a written test, which had a time limit of 20 minutes.)

Synonym: 筆試

Reference: https://www.threads.com/@sangdongizary/post/DZmtCj0mGom?xmt=AQG0EL-oDne_ejxYTHR6FJqyzY8A-PLBBPXB5uoPeZ1QqFbjVadt9K2xVmBMMoskDQMsiRJc&slof=1

Definition: Originated from Ming Dynasty where a husband does the housework for his wife for the latter half of the month, this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use when they want to retaliate against the wrongdoing of a person, which is like 'eye for an eye' in English.

Usage: E.g. You do the first, I do the fifteenth. If you keep throwing trash in front of my door, then I will do the same to you too! E.g. You do new moon, I do full moon. E.g. You do Lunar New Year, I do Mid-Autumn Festival.

Synonym: 你做初一，我做十五

Reference: https://www.weekendhk.com/weekspecial/你做初一-我做十五-英文-ctb072-jc-1368860/3/