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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


481 results found

winter melon tofu

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe any unfortunate event such as an accident. Usage: E.g. If I have any winter melon tofu, I will sue your company!!!Synonym: 冬瓜豆腐Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/39119/

inch

Definition: Derived from '寸' in Cantonese, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who is cocky or arrogant. Usage: E.g. 知道你叻喇!不過洗唔洗咁inch呀?(in廚)Synonym: 寸Reference: https://www.hk01.com/熱爆話題/159516/konglish-港式英語鬧爆疑似第三者-網民-香港人先會明嘅英文

dead chicken propping up the rice cooker lid

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing idiom used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who refuses to concede despite knowing that they made the mistake in the first place. '死雞撐飯蓋' can also be shortened to '死撐' sometimes. Usage: E.g. You know you've done wrong! Stop being like a dead chicken propping up the rice cooker lid!Synonym: 死雞撐飯蓋Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms

eatings peanuts while waiting to watch a film

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe a situation where there is a scene or fight going on between people, and you are just excited to watch what will happen as a bystander. '食住花生等睇戲' can be shortened to '食花生' sometimes. Usage: E.g. I have never seen people argue like this over Whatsapp! Let's eat peanuts while waiting to watch a film!Synonym: 食住花生等睇戲Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms

snake king

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to slacking off at work. Usage: E.g. Don't be such a snake king all the time! Get some work done!Synonym: 蛇王

If the cow doesnt drink water, you cannot press the cows head down

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing idiom used by native Hong Kongers to describe a situation where you cannot force someone into seeking help if they do not accept it. Usage: E.g. I offered to help him with his homework but he never sent it over. Oh well... if the cow doesn't drink water, you cannot press the cow's head down.Synonym: 牛唔飲水唔撳得牛頭低Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms

chi sin

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who is crazy, or a situation that is outrageous or unbelievable. (痴線 - ci1 sin3) Literal meaning: To have your electrical wires touching. Ie. Short circuit in the brain. Usage: E.g. Chi sin! You used all your money to gamble?! E.g. Chi sin! The restaurant gave me the wrong bill! E.g. Chi sin! You won the lottery?!!Synonym: 痴線Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/8-colloquialisms-unique-to-cantonese

big tangerine and red packets

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers when someone sneezes, which is similar to 'Bless you!' in English. (大吉利是) Usage: E.g. A: Ack-choo! B: Big tangerine and red packets!Synonym: 大吉利是

ging

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term often used by the younger generation to describe something or someone as very skillful or powerful. (勁) Usage: E.g. You won the competition?! Ho ging ah! (Very outstanding) E.g. You are so ging at basketball! (Very skillful) E.g. This computer is so ging! (Very powerful)Synonym: 勁Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/12-phrases-you-need-to-know-before-you-visit-hong-kong#:~:text=An%2520alternative%2520to%2520“hou%2520ging,jeng”%2520if%2520something%2520is%2520awesome.

enough ginger

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to having enough guts to do something. (夠薑) Usage: E.g. If you have enough ginger, then fight me!Synonym: 夠薑Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575