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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


57 results found

la la lum

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to get someone to hurry up, which is similar to the phrase 'chop chop' in English. (Also see 'ja ja lum'.) Usage: E.g. La la lum get your homework done! E.g. Leave now or you'll miss the train! La la lum la!Synonym: 嗱嗱臨

low b

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that Hong Kongers use to refer to having low intelligence or being stupid. Also used as '低B' sometimes. Usage: E.g. 唔好咁low b係到周圍大叫啦! E.g. 低B仔,你係咪仲未get要做咩呀?Reference: http://www.cmi.hku.hk/Ref/Article/article02/01.html

madam

Definition: The Hong Kong way of referring to a female police officer (女警官). Usage: E.g. 女警:Target出現。全世界出動!下屬:Yes, Madam!Synonym: 女警官Reference: https://www.gushiciku.cn/dl/0pydp/zh-hk

exactly

Definition: A word used by Hong Kong people to express absolute affirmation, which is comparable to 'Bingo!' Usage: E.g. 係喇,係喇。Exactly! E.g. 岩喇!呢個就係我exactly想講既野。 E.g. 我唔係太get你exactly想講咩。

airport

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers when they want to describe a girl with flat chest but don't want to get slapped. Usage: E.g. A: Do you like this girl? B: No, I think she is an airport!Synonym: 飛機場Reference: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSZDmyBASgl/?igsh=MXVsbzJhZTFoYnRudw== (use mobile version)

communication gap

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to illustrate the distance between two parties in terms of their communication, which is often due to their difference in job positions or departments in a company. Sometimes, it may be caused by forgeting to say "double confirm", which is a common phrase used by Hong Kongers at workplace to really make sure that certain information is correct. Usage: E.g. 其實呢啲communication gap 大家可以做好D減少誤會,寫多兩句confirm is better。(As for these communication gaps, it is better for us all to try and minimise misunderstandings by saying 'confirm' more.)Synonym: 溝通差距Reference: https://www.threads.com/@purpzc/post/C-l0fNJyiZM?hl=en

fail

Definition: Often transliterated and pronounced as the loan phrase '肥佬' meaning 'fat guy', this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe getting an unsuccessful result when doing something. Sometimes, it can be shortened to '肥' (fat) as a verb. Usage: E.g. 哎呀!今次考試肥左佬! E.g. 唔係掛?考咁多次都肥?!Synonym: 肥佬Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/16296/

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

mou dak ding

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase meaning something is of the best quality. It cannot get better than it already is. Usage: E.g. Wa! This dim sum is mou dak ding!Synonym: 冇得頂Reference: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/mou-dak-ding-learn-cantonese-slang-wx2f-carlosdouh-youtube--475552041888237723/
Definition: A Kongish expression used to describe someone who is so reckless that he or she is almost getting himself killed or into a big trouble. Usage: You spent all your money on gambling? Do you know how to write the die character?!Synonym: 你唔知個死字點寫