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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


759 results found

style

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a more general look or vibe of something rather than the artistic or literary manner of something, or the character of a person. Usage: E.g. 呢家啲00後衣著style好似完美屌打90後. (Nowadays the Gen Z's dressing style seem to be winning over the 90's by far.)Synonym: 風格Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3739511/page/4

put your horse to me

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to tell the other person to bring it on! (放馬過來) Usage: E.g. I am not afraid of playing against you. Put your horse to me!Synonym: 放馬過來Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

No bullsh*t let's go

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by upper class Hong Kongers to establish trust with customers when promoting a business. Usage: E.g. No bullsh*t let's go!跟住 HKTCG 我哋一齊贏!(Let's win together with HKTCG!)Synonym: 少廢話,來吧Reference: https://www.threads.com/@khdcheung/post/DX02bSTEc-M?xmt=AQF0lZjxc45QjrCh3--CSn7W3dC_HoSGA08fDOIdafdfko2qCBQj9p7NjCpfwaSQfVGackI&source_surface=35&slof=1

ride an ox to look for a horse

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to describe working for a job while looking for a better one. (騎牛搵馬 - ke4 ngau4 wan2 maa5) Usage: E.g. Look for a job first! You can always ride an ox while looking for a horse!Synonym: 騎牛搵馬Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

Ga yau

Definition: Derived from 'add oil' in Cantonese, this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that local Hong Kongers use to express encouragement and support for another person. Usage: Ga yau! You can win this game!Synonym: 加油

wun gut

Definition: Derived from 'gut' (吉) meaning nothingness or tangerines, this is a romanised code-mixing slang phrase used to describe someone is messing about and wasting time, which purportedly comes from people in the past going into Hong Kong stores just to drink the bowl of soup called 'gut' soup (吉湯) without spending money on the food at all. 'wun' can mean to mix (混) or to transport (運). Usage: Auntie: Stop tasting my fruits here and there! Are you wun gut?Synonym: 運吉, 混吉Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-slang-you-need-to-know-right-now

gemgem

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to Gemini AI. Usage: E.g. 中四中五,兩班都係入到課室嗰刻先知「全錯」,臨時叫gemgem用10秒整理一個ppt,我依然繼續上堂。(For two classes of Form 4 and 5, I only knew that the powerpoint slides were "all wrong" the moment I entered the classroom. Then I quickly asked Gemini to organize a ppt in 10 seconds, and I still managed to teach the classes.)Synonym: GeminiReference: facebook.com/612468728/posts/10164582559278729/?rdid=djANzUPXcw6SopFY&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F17nv7x2uZC%2F#

buddha-type

Definition: An Englishised code-mixing term used to describe someone who is so calm and relaxed like the almighty Buddha such that he or she does not have time to chase the opposite sex, but focuses on work and personal interests only. Sometimes, it is also used to describe someone who does not get angry easily when things happened. Usage: E.g. Why don't you find a girlfriend? Are you the buddha-type person? E.g. *bump* That hurt when you bumped into me! But I'm okay, my friend!Synonym: 佛系Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/cantonese-slang-of-the-week-buddha-type

See you tomorrow

Definition: It's slang for when a person eats something and it's unsuccessfully digested. Resulting in the food being pooped out the next day still intact. Usage: I'll pass on corn or string mushrooms guys. I don't want a "see you tomorrow" situation happening tomorrow morning

preference

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to express a choice in something without stating their favour or to avoid sounding picky. Usage: E.g. 我今晚既preference係食西餐,但係又唔代表我成日都鍾意。(My preference is western cuisine tonight, but that doesn't mean I like it all the time.)Synonym: 偏愛; 偏好; 優先選擇Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3316788/page/27
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