Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

Definition: Known as 'JM tone', this is a code-mixing word that Hong Kong celebrity Janice Man use to refer to reserving someone, even though it is criticised as Fake ABC English due to a most likely wrong word usage.

Usage: E.g. 上天會deserve一個好好嘅人等緊我。(意思：reserve)

Reference: https://inews.hket.com/article/1522091/Janice%20Man英文教室%20%20教你練成JM%20Tone

Definition: (noun) A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to visual look or pattern of something rather than the planning and structure of how something works.

Usage: E.g. 有冇潮人講既呢對鞋個design 個設計精髓 (Any trendy person is talking about the design of this shoe, or the design essence?)

Synonym: 設計

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3008007/page/1

Definition: (textspeak) Derived from comic book characters having a large drop of sweat on their forehead or hair, this is a Kongish code-mixing term that refers to feeling speechless and reticent. Dik hon (滴汗) has the literal meaning of 'drip sweat'.

Usage: E.g. Your joke is so lame! Dik hon!

Synonym: 滴汗

Definition: (Jyutping) Ask for the reason of things happened

Usage: Dim gaai zeoi gan sing jat lok jyu? (點解最近成日落雨？） - Why it always rain recently?

Synonym: 點解, Why, 為什麼

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase used by foreigners to ask for directions when they are lost in Hong Kong.

Usage: E.g. Kowloon tong dim hui?

Synonym: 點去？

Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/travel/basic-cantonese-phrases-every-traveller-to-hong-kong-needs-to-know

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to express frustration or distress when one encounters a problem.

Usage: E.g. Ding! I missed the bus! (頂) E.g. Ding your lungs! How dare you talk to me like this? (頂你個肺)

Reference: https://ovolohotels.com/ovolo/blog/7-cantonese-slangs-guaranteed-to-impress-a-local/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CDing!&text=Definition%3A%20It's%20simply%20another%20way,and%20shout%2C%20%E2%80%9CDING!%E2%80%9D

Definition: A fashionable, elegant way of referring to dinner in Cantonese.

Usage: Eg. 去邊到食dinner好呢？ Eg. 你想去邊到吃din呀？

Synonym: 晚餐

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

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers use to talk about a topic with someone or a group of people and have them share their ideas and opinions.

Usage: E.g. 不如一齊discuss吓個project點樣做？ E.g. 我地discuss吓個問題，然後再結論。可以嗎？

Synonym: 討論

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to gestures and customs that an employee must do or learn when they work in a company.

Usage: E.g. 老細黎到仲唔識DO? 快D讓座同沖杯咖啡比佢啦！ E.g. 打工仔要識DO先得，如果咪好快冇得撈。

Synonym: 做

Reference: https://www.etnet.com.hk/www/tc/lifestyle/archive/goodjob/23372

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe that something must be done no matter how worse the situation is.

Usage: E.g. I don't care three seven twenty one. This project must proceed!

Synonym: 唔理三七廿一

Reference: https://www.ourchinastory.com/zh/5530/何謂「唔理三七廿一」？%C2%A0