Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to describe working for a job while looking for a better one. (騎牛搵馬 - ke4 ngau4 wan2 maa5)

Usage: E.g. Look for a job first! You can always ride an ox while looking for a horse!

Synonym: 騎牛搵馬

Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

Definition: A code-mixing term that refers to pulling a face that looks pretentious in order to look cool.

Usage: E.g. 林峯：你睇吓我個樣夠唔夠chok？！

Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-hea-chok-chur/

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kong students use to refer to '手提電腦'.

Usage: E.g. 老師，上堂可以比帶自己notebook嗎？

Synonym: 手提電腦

Reference: http://www.patrickchu.net/uploads/9/0/5/3/9053324/2007_free_ppt.pdf

Definition: A code-mixing term that is often misused by Fake ABC's in Hong Kong to mean 'outfit'.

Usage: E.g. BB豬，我今日個ｏｕｔｌｏｏｋ係咪好靚呀？

Synonym: 外表

Reference: https://www.hk01.com/開罐/128449/你是否-偽abc-chill-中文意思係咩-10個港人常用錯英文字

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）

Synonym: 訂; 約

Reference: https://www.lib.eduhk.hk/pure-data/pub/201902353/201902353_1.pdf

Definition: A code-mixing term used by the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department to describe something as very relaxing. However, the AI anti-drug video that used this word was taken down due to citizens suspecting that the video was promoting the illegal use of drugs instead of discouraging it.

Usage: E.g. 浪漫的煙圈，一支幫你忘記所有煩惱，好chill (Romantic smoke rings — one puff helps you forget all your worries. So chill.)

Synonym: 好放鬆

Reference: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3358606/ai-k-pop-video-pulled-after-anti-drug-message-backfires-hong-kong-prison-service

Definition: A code-mixing term used by the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department to describe something as very cool and awesome. However, the AI anti-drug video that used this word was taken down due to citizens suspecting that the video was promoting the illegal use of drugs rather than banning it.

Usage: E,g 可樂消暑易入口，幫你提神保持清醒腦筋。超dope！(Coke is refreshing, easy to drink, and helps perk you up and keep your mind sharp. Super dope!)

Synonym: 超正、超酷、超讚

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S19qZb17o2A

Definition: Often used together with ‘開心’ meaning happy, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to experiencing something with others, which means the sharing must very likely be happy or joyful unless it is omitted or stated otherwise.

Usage: E.g. 喂，我同你哋開心Share，呢個笑話太好笑啦 (Hey, I'm happy to share with you all. This joke is too funny!)

Synonym: 分享

Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ_3EOyTfSy/ (use mobile version)

Definition: A code-mixing term used by upper class Hong Konger girls to refer to having the strength or resilience to handle something emotionally, as in "I can take it", which they can sometimes do to a certain extent.

Usage: E.g. 出到嚟網上有咁多言論一路話我，我就覺得算啦，我係做呢行，我take(接受)咗佢啦，唔緊要啦。但take下take下，都take咗年幾兩年 (When I started working in this industry, there were so many discussions on the Internet talking about me, I thought it was okay because I knew I was in this industry, so I took it, it doesn't matter. But as I kept taking this and taking that, I realised that I had already been taking things in for a few years)

Synonym: 承受; 承受壓力

Reference: https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/60359289/jw王灝兒分手後啞忍兩年-眼濕濕平反拜金論-我仲使乜入tvb拍劇?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=01appshare

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Hong Kong local students to refer to the revision notes that they would read at the last moment before a DSE exam.

Usage: E.g. 最後一分鐘(Last minute)系列 - 你點睇? (What do you think of the book series called Last Minute?)

Synonym: 最後一分鐘

Reference: https://blog.tutorcircle.hk/33397/最後一分鐘-last-minute-有冇用-好唔好/#google_vignette