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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


138 results found

O mouth

Definition: Derived from 'O嘴', this is a Kongish code-mixing term that refers to feeling surprised and astonished to the point where your mouth literally opens in an O shape. Usage: E.g. I was O mouth to see the football match turned around! (今次場波反敗為勝,真睇到我O哂嘴。)Synonym: O嘴Reference: https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/features/article/3096419/learn-cantonese-slang-many-faces-hongkongers

chicken and duck talk

Definition: (idiom) Derived from '雞同鴨講', this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe two people who are unable to understand each other due to a difference of language or values. In other words, the conversation just seems to go round and round with each person talking over each other. Usage: E.g. I think we will never understand each other because we work in different departments. What a chicken and duck talk!Synonym: 雞同鴨講Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-word-of-the-month-雞同鴨講-chicken-duck-talk/

care

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kong businessmen to refer to something that they give a damn about, as the equivalent terms '理', '在乎' or '關心' in Cantonese sound too romantic or loving in a professional setting. Usage: E.g. 我唔care你要OT到幾多點,總之要幫我搞掂。 E.g. 其實我都好care我既員工既福利。 E.g. 艾東care! (I don't care!)

gimmick

Definition: This is a code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to '噱頭'. Usage: E.g. 你有沒有留意樓下那家coffee shop最近常做promotion,我覺得滿有gimmickSynonym: 噱頭Reference: https://hk.news.yahoo.com/港人中英夾雜有規律-網友-太神奇-020000181.html

pretend to be a pig to eat a tiger

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to acting dumb and innocent in order to win someone, such as in a card game. Usage: E.g. I know you've got an ace up your sleeves! Stop pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger!Synonym: 扮豬食老虎Reference: https://ling-app.com/yue/cantonese-slang-words/

chi sin

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who is crazy, or a situation that is outrageous or unbelievable. (痴線 - ci1 sin3) Literal meaning: To have your electrical wires touching. Ie. Short circuit in the brain. Usage: E.g. Chi sin! You used all your money to gamble?! E.g. Chi sin! The restaurant gave me the wrong bill! E.g. Chi sin! You won the lottery?!!Synonym: 痴線Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/8-colloquialisms-unique-to-cantonese

black son

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to being very unlucky or unfortunate. (黑仔) Usage: E.g. Today I forgot to bring my homework and give teacher scold. Very black son! (好黑仔)Synonym: 黑仔Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

so

Definition: A shortened term for the word 'socialise' in English, which may mean different things in various situations. Usage: E.g. 喂,你so吓人好喎?(to show that you care about others) E.g. 喂,唔好成日掛住soD女仔啦。(to court somebody) E.g. 喂,後生仔要出黎soso吓先得架嘛。(to socialise) E.g. 喂,你最近好似唔係好so-so喎。(being social)

Eat Cha SIU

Definition: This is a Cantonese slang that refers to a situation where a player has a clear opportunity to score a point. The slangs origin comes from a volleyball game where a sports announcer said "Cha SIU" instead of the word "chance". Although the word came from a volleyball game initially, it's more widely used in badminton games. Usage: That was a total set up for a smash, total Cha SIU! Synonym: 食叉燒Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-生舊叉燒好過生你-better-to-give-birth-to-char-siu-than-you/#:~:text=Sik6%20caa1%20siu,back%20into%20its%20own%20court.

Sei fo

Definition: (Kongish) When something goes completely wrong. Or doesn't work out (fail, flop) Usage: Sei fo! We didn't prepare for the presentation today. It was a total flop!Synonym: 死火