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Definition: Pronounced as the fifth tone in Cantonese, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to something or someone that is strange or embarrassing.
Usage: E.g. 下次唔好入錯課室咁kam喇。 E.g. 佢份人真係好kam!
Reference: https://www.stheadline.com/culture/3230860/香港潮語2023香港40個最新潮語結集-壞過婉婷升級版係咩啱呀唔係附和你
Definition: Derived from the Chinese term '內卷' and often translated as 'involution', this is an Englishised code-mixing term that describes an economic situation where excessive competition does not lead to development and innovation. This may lead to people feeling stressed, anxious, and trapped, as the two characters mean 'inside rolling'.
Usage: E.g. I'm stuck in the rat race! I'm so tired of competing with everyone just to climb the career ladder!
Synonym: 內卷
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjTg1G8rpVc
Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase that westernised Hong Kongers use when they want to apologise politely for something.
Usage: E.g. *Holding up a queue* Mm ho yi si. E.g. *Butts into a conversation* Mm ho yi si. Where is the MTR?
Synonym: 唔好意思
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe strenuous tasks that are almost impossible to complete.
Usage: E.g. Getting my son to do homework is like pulling a cow up the tree!
Synonym: 拉牛上樹
Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms
Definition: Derived from the Chinese internet slang '躺平', this is an Englishised code-mixing term used to describe a lifestyle of doing as little as possible, due to knowing that there is a 'rat race' going on where everyone is competing for jobs such that it is almost impossible to keep up with the societal pressure.
Usage: E.g. This exam is so difficult! I am lying flat! E.g. I am not lying flat! I must continue to find a better job!
Synonym: 躺平
Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-internet-and-texting-slang-to-use-right-now
Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers like to use to describe a job that must be done in a company office.
Usage: E.g. 份合約講明份工要onsite做，冇得work from home。
Synonym: 現場，在工地
Definition: Derived from '老屎忽' meaning 'old buttocks', this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase used to refer to a person who has high authority in a company but often looks down on the subordinates, points fingers at them, and uses them to his or her advantage.
Usage: E.g. My senior is such an old seafood! He just likes to point his finger at people and doesn't do anything himself!
Synonym: 老屎忽
Definition: (verb) A code-mixing term that local Hong Kongers like to use to refer to paper being stuck in a printer.
Usage: E.g. 個printer又jam紙？唔係掛？
Synonym: 卡住紙
Reference: https://www.threads.net/@hongtonese/post/C8zlfwZytLZ
Definition: (textspeak) A Kongish code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers when one feels embarassed about something stupid that he has done but still wishes to admit it honestly. While the phrase is English-sounding with Holland being a western country and Ben being an English name, it is actually homophonous with '好撚笨柒' in Cantonese, which has the literal meaning of 'very f***ing stupid penis'.
Usage: E.g. I forgot my wallet at home! I am Holland Ben 7!
Synonym: 好撚笨柒, Holland Bank Cheque
Definition: Derived from the punning of '縮腳' with '叔' (uncle) having a similar pronunciation as '縮' (to shrink) , this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that is used to tell someone to watch their feet.
Usage: Eg. I am mopping the floor. Uncle feet!
Synonym: 縮腳
Reference: https://youtu.be/_3hhDIErE2g?si=SLsZUTCKhV5cfm8x