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Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who does not know anyone. Originated from a game similar to Rummikub where pulling cards should add up to nine, but not over. Otherwise, the player will lose the game.
Usage: E.g. I have never been to this event before! Everyone was like 'three does not know seven'!
Synonym: 三唔識七
Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms
Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to marking something in order to show that it is chosen or correct.
Usage: E.g. 快D tick點心紙啦。我好餓呀。(Tick the dim sum order form quickly. I'm so hungry.)
Synonym: 剔
Reference: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DWL_RQQysfH/ (use mobile version)
Definition: Pronounced with a rising intonation on the second syllable, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to doing something at exactly the right time, such as a love relationship.
Usage: E.g. 其實愛情都幾講timing。有時要搵啱個timing先可以喺埋一齊。
Synonym: 時機
Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/60469/page/1
Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a subject matter that is less socially loaded, people-oriented or even gossipy.
Usage: E.g. 成日都講人是非，可唔可以轉topic？(The conversation is always gossiping about others. Can we change the topic?)
Synonym: 話題
Reference: https://spencerlam.hk/blog/2022/02/01/group-discussion技巧/
Definition: A less cliche and irritating sounding code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers when they want to quickly test or experience something first, in order to know whether it is suitable for them in the long term.
Usage: E.g. 有新game出左？等我try吓先。 (A new game came out? Let me try first.) E.g. 買左件衫比我？等我try try先。 (Bought a shirt for me? Let me try try first.)
Synonym: 嘗試, 試
Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2866301/page/17
Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to cheering up a person such as a child in order to make them happy again or stop crying or being angry. At times, it can also refer to coaxing or persuading someone gently in order to convince them.
Usage: E.g. 首期一人一半,都無落佢名,tum住佢話遲啲再買多層落佢名免稅 (E.g. The down payment was split among us in half, and I did not even put her name down for the flat. So I coaxed her by saying I will buy another flat for her tax-free.)
Synonym: 氹
Reference: https://amp.lihkg.com/thread/3214136/page/1
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to an incompetent person of low status. It is the first part of the allegorical saying '未夠斤兩‘, which means the person is not qualified. Since 2 + 6 taels = half catty, it means the person is not much in catty and taels.
Usage: E.g. You two beat six should not be part of our group!
Synonym: 二打六
Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/41660/
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to someone who betrays others. ie. A traitor. (二五仔)
Usage: E.g. I can't believe you are the two five boy who let out the secret!
Synonym: 二五仔
Reference: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202105/25/AP60ac0e63e4b0a46dabeb8867.html
Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers often use when they want to tell someone politely that they are not the sort of person they want to be with or attracted to.
Usage: E.g. 唔好意思，你唔係我個type。(Sorry, but you are not the type of person I want to be with.)
Synonym: 種類
Reference: https://www.dcard.tw/f/hkmacdaily/p/239885576/b/4-1
Definition: Originated from '頂' (ding2) meaning 'to withstand', this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to something that is impossible to withstand. Also spelled as 'un頂able'.
Usage: E.g. 依家d學生極之有問題 完全0尊 d old seadfood 八公八婆完全undingable (Nowadays the students are extremely problematic and completely show no respect. The old snobby seniors, nosy bastards and bitches are completely impossible to withstand.)
Synonym: 頂唔順
Reference: https://www.threads.com/share/_l91vOaRS/
