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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


250 results found

seed

Definition: Known as Kongish and used as '有種' (have seed), this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to not being afraid or having the guts to do something.

Usage: E.g. If you have seed, then I will give you some colour see see! (有種)

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

sense

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to the ability to understand and recognise something with our five senses, which include sight, hear, smell, taste and feel.

Usage: E.g. 男人好容易sense到女人鍾意咗自己嘅咩?(Can a man very easily sense that a woman likes him?)

Synonym: 感覺

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3392065/page/3

sensible

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to acting or speaking appropriately rather than being logical in the technical sense. Also, it usually implies having a good level of spiritual maturity in addition to basic common sense so that one does not say or do stupid things that is disrespectful to others.

Usage: E.g. 睇完艾力訪問姜濤,講嘢都好sensible,其實佢個人真係唔差,心地善良 (After watching Eric's interview with Keung To, I thought his words were very sensible. In fact, Keung To is not really that bad of a person, but is kind-hearted.)

Synonym: 理智

Reference: https://www.threads.com/@aa11yy__/post/DQ64WkTEwpw?xmt=AQG0os4onkNngeDaBXXgpug3rEeIp7OiEA1gUR05-T_52H1LwEOo67WyTueAopajb2mrmGYm&slof=1

seven head

Definition: Known as Kongish and derived from '柒頭' in Cantonese, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe or scold someone who is stupid and brainless like a dickhead. (龜頭)

Usage: E.g. You seven head go and collect skin! (你個柒頭去收皮啦!)

Synonym: 柒頭

Reference: https://www.topprint2000.com/online-shop/product/1131018/

share

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)

share

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to using or experiencing something together with others without the meaning of splitting apart, while not guaranteeing enjoyment and happiness.

Usage: E.g. 最鍾意share 野! 一餐可以食晒唔同款,正!(I love to share things! Can eat all sorts of food in a meal! Awesome!)

Synonym: 分享; 共用

Reference: https://www.threads.com/@louisling8/post/DHi7b96TcQP/最鍾意share-野-一餐可以食晒唔同款正

shopping

Definition: A more neutral-sounding term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to '購物' or '買野', which signify the commitment to buying things.

Usage: E.g. 女朋友:我地聽日去商場啦。男朋友:吓?又買野?!女朋友:唔係呀。去shopping咋嘛。 E.g. 女朋友:我地聽日去shopping啦。男朋友:又買野?!女朋友:去window shopping咋嘛。

Reference: https://www.academia.edu/1177618/Cantonese_English_code_switching_research_in_Hong_Kong_A_survey_of_recent_research

single dog

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers as a more abstract way of referring to a person's relationship status without a partner than emphasizing the physical body as ‘單身’ denotes in Cantonese. Even though 'dog' is seen as a derogatory term, the phrase is often treated as a common everyday joke than it is really mocking someone seriously.

Usage: E.g. 無論班女仔fd幾大班,三個又好,五個又好,十幾個又好,都係得我係single dog (No matter how big my group of female friends is, three or five or ten, I am the single dog.)

Synonym: 單身狗

Reference: https://amp.lihkg.com/thread/708381/page/1

situationship

Definition: A code-mixing term that Gen Z native Hong Kongers use to describe a romantic relationship where there are low levels of commitment except for sexual behaviour.

Usage: E.g. A: 你同佢發展成點呀? B: 冇呀,只係situationship。(A: How is your relationship going? B: No, we are just a situationship.)

Synonym: 狀態戀情

Reference: https://www.hk01.com/談情說性/377560/約會新詞-situationship-已經-沉船-但不能隨便跳船

siu4

Definition: Derived from ‘笑死’ (laugh die), this is a Kongish code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers on the internet when they want to laugh out loud, just like LOL in English.

Usage: E.g. This comedy movie was so funny! Siu4!

Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-internet-and-texting-slang-to-use-right-now

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