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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


525 results found

double click

Definition: A trendy-sounding code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to pressing twice on a mouse or touchpad quickly and gently. Usage: E.g. 我點樣 fix 我嘅滑鼠每次想 click 一下嘅時候,都會 double click 呢?(How can I fix my mouse? Whenever I click it, it clicks twice?)Synonym: 雙擊Reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/u21xlf/how_do_i_fix_my_mouse_double_clicking_whenever_i/?tl=zh-hant

afford

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to having enough money to buy something without indicating one's ability to cope with such burden. Usage: E.g. 點解要鍾意自己 afford 唔起嘅 luxury? (Why love luxury that you can't afford?)Synonym: 負擔得起; 買得起Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP3vop4Epm7/ (use mobile version)

enjoy

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to taking pleasure from doing something. Sometimes, it can also be used intransitively as a verb to describe a state of mind where one is having a good time. Usage: E.g. 每次暴雨或者打風,唔知點解我都好enjoy。(Whenever there is heavy rain or typhoon, I don't know why I really enjoy it.)Synonym: 享受Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3973322/page/1

caring

Definition: A more broad and general code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to having concern, kindness and empathy towards others but not to the point of being so loving. Usage: E.g. 之前都識左個男仔, 一開始都好nice 好caring, 突然有一日係車鬧左我成個鐘。(I used to know a guy who was very nice and caring at the start, but there came a day where he suddenly scolded me for an hour in the car.)Synonym: 關心別人;有愛心Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3665573/page/28

briefing

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to a meeting that highlights the key points rather than something that is more like a presentation. Usage: E.g. 返工要提前返去briefing又唔計工時係咪犯法?(Is it illegal for an employee to go to work earlier for a briefing but not pay them salary?)Synonym: 簡報會Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2566840/page/1

push

Definition: (verb) A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to persuading someone forcefully to do or achieve something. Usage: E.g. 資優學生唔需要push佢地做,係咁依點下就ok。(There is no need to push talented students, as you just need to guide them casually.)Synonym: 逼迫;催逼Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/337010/page/1

preference

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to express a choice in something without stating their favour or to avoid sounding picky. Usage: E.g. 我今晚既preference係食西餐,但係又唔代表我成日都鍾意。(My preference is western cuisine tonight, but that doesn't mean I like it all the time.)Synonym: 偏愛; 偏好; 優先選擇Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3316788/page/27

weekend

Definition: A more modern and happy-sounding code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers use to refer to period at the end of a week where they like to enjoy it like a real holiday. Usage: E.g. 你哋會唔會weekend 兩日一夜去日本?(Would you go to Japan for two days and one night on the weekend?)Synonym: 週末Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3815081/page/1

no thank

Definition: Often mistaken as 'no thanks' or refusal to an offer, this is a code-mixing term used by Gen Z native Hong Kongers to acknowledge someone's gratitude, which is comparable to 'You are welcome'. Usage: E.g. 岩岩做野果時幫佢手 佢同我講Thanks。我諗唔到除左No Thanks/ It’s Fine之外仲有咩回應。(When I started working for him at that time, he used to say 'thanks'. But I could not think of any phrases other than 'No Thanks/It's fine' as a response.)Synonym: 唔洗唔該Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/599066/page/1

focus

Definition: (verb) A code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students to refer to a less physical directing of attention onto something. Sometimes, it may be used in order to avoid sounding like one has ADHD. Usage: E.g. 老師,我頭先focus唔到聽書,可唔可以再講多次?(Teacher, I really can't focus on listening to your lecture. Can you repeat again?)Synonym: 專注; 集中Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/CynQSwpSd-P/?img_index=5 (use mobile version)
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