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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


666 results found

flirt

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers often use to refer to chatting up or teasing someone in a playful manner, in order to show that you are interested in them romantically. Sometimes, it can be used interchangebly with '溝' in Cantonese, even though by definition it should be considered a technique rather than pursuing someone seriously. Usage: E.g. 條仔想flirt我,但係我冇理佢。(The guy wanted to flirt with me, but I did not pay him attention.) E.g. A: 唔好成日掛住溝女啦。B: Flirt吓姐,唔係溝。(A: Stop picking up girls all the time. B: Just flirting, not really pursuing.)Synonym: 打情罵俏Reference: https://www.threads.com/@tlyice._.1003/post/DH3K3QMz8_0?xmt=AQF0IPXN1NG4bUNCpCoEWK9j1nBrmidnUCWWQbO5UkWBZorXUuAW_rk2rnqngc_G0_Uo5TM&slof=1

first round

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers use to refer to the initial stage in a process, such as an interview. At other times, it is also used for the describing the first in a set of social events, such as drinks and dinner. Usage: E.g. First round既interview會幾簡單。Second round先會問你深入D既問題。(The first round interview will be very simple. The second round will be more in-depth.) E.g. 我今晚唔join first round喇。Second round先再join你地。(I am not going to join first round tonight. But I will join the second round.)Synonym: 第一輪Reference: https://www.threads.com/@hkcareerstory/post/C97oprFSuDw

lai see

Definition: A romanised code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to the red packets of cash given as gifts during Chinese New Year. Even though the first character of the phrase should be pronounced as 'lai' or 'lei' with a short vowel in Cantonese, it is often pronounced as 'laai' with a long vowel when in romanised form, leading to the expression sounding like 'laai see' (瀨屎), which means to poop in one's pants in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. Expat: Have you got any lai see during Chinese New Year? HK'er: Laai see? Sure! I have laaaai see today. Just kidding.Synonym: 利是Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/2007/

Gong hei fat choi

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase that Hong Kong expats use to wish someone prosperous and good fortune during Chinese New Year. Sometimes , it may be mistakened as 'Happy new year' by non-Cantonese speaking expats, even though there is nothing really wrong with saying it to people excessively. (Variant: Kung hei fat choi) Usage: E.g. Happy Chinese New Year! Gong hei fat choi! Gong hei fat choi!Synonym: 恭喜發財Reference: https://www.zalora.com.hk/blog/lifestyle/kung-hei-fat-choi-meaning-how-to-respond-and-common-cantonese-new-year-blessings/

Lulu

Definition: Often used as an idiom, this is a code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to a stupid person. (For male version, see 'Robert') Usage: E.g. 唔好當我係Lulu喎! (Stop treating me like a stupid person!)

Robert

Definition: Often used as an idiom, this is a code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to a stupid person. (For female version, see 'Lulu') Usage: E.g. 唔好當我係Robert喎! (Stop treating me like a stupid person!)

book

Definition: To reserve something, such as an appointment or place, without sounding like it's a date. Usage: E.g. 請問你幫我book左個appointment未? E.g. 聽日book左枱未呀?(訂枱)Reference: https://www.lib.eduhk.hk/pure-data/pub/201902353/201902353_1.pdf

charge

Definition: 1. A code-mixing term that refers to a payment for goods or services. 2. Often pronounced as '差廚' (caa1 cyu4), this is a code-mixing term that is used by Hong Kongers to refer to being charged for a crime. Usage: E.g. 呢間餐廳有冇minimum charge? E.g. 今次冇落charge?!真幸運!
Definition: A Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to acting dumb and innocent in order to win someone, such as in a card game. Usage: E.g. I know you've got an ace up your sleeves! Stop pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger!Synonym: 扮豬食老虎Reference: https://ling-app.com/yue/cantonese-slang-words/

for some reason

Definition: A useful alternative if your boss is tired of hearing the word 'somehow' when you want to avoid saying 'I don't know' to a question. Usage: E.g. For some reason個file corrupt左。 E.g. For some reason個printer壞左。 E.g. For some reason今次個客唔搵我地。