Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing idiom used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who refuses to concede despite knowing that they made the mistake in the first place. '死雞撐飯蓋' can also be shortened to '死撐' sometimes.

Usage: E.g. You know you've done wrong! Stop being like a dead chicken propping up the rice cooker lid!

Synonym: 死雞撐飯蓋

Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms

Definition: A code-mixing term used by the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department to describe something as very cool and awesome. However, the AI anti-drug video that used this word was taken down due to citizens suspecting that the video was promoting the illegal use of drugs rather than banning it.

Usage: E,g 可樂消暑易入口，幫你提神保持清醒腦筋。超dope！(Coke is refreshing, easy to drink, and helps perk you up and keep your mind sharp. Super dope!)

Synonym: 超正、超酷、超讚

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S19qZb17o2A

Definition: A slightly more polite sounding code-mixing term that real ABC's in Hong Kong like to use instead the Cantonese equivalent '大佬', meaning 'big brother', even though the literal meaning is usually not taken when used, just like the word 'dude'.

Usage: E.g. Dude，你係到搞D咩呀？ E.g. Dude，你好還錢喇喎？ E.g. Dude，你以為你自己好型呀？

Synonym: 大佬

Definition: Originated from 'thank you' with the ''f' often mistaken as an English mistake while it is known as TH-fronting, this is a code-mixing term used by upper class Hong Kongers to show their sincere gratitude towards someone.

Usage: E.g. 今餐等我請啦。Fank you. (Let me treat you this meal. Thank you.)

Synonym: Thank you, 多謝

Reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/linguistics/comments/12to083/curious_about_some_british_people_pronounce_th_as/

Definition: Originated from ‘gg’ meaning ‘game over' and often transliterated as the loan word ‘豬‘ meaning pig, this is a code-mixing term that local Hong Kong students use to describe situations where they have lost or think they already lost. Even though ‘豬‘ has a similar sound as 'g', this is not to be mistaken as a mispronunication as a pig represents stupidity in Cantonese and fits the context and meaning entirely. Also said to have originated from Taiwanese.

Usage: E.g. 今次對手咁勁，真係豬喇喎。(Our opponents are so powerful this time, it's really game over.) E.g. 今次考試豬左。(My exam results is game over.)

Synonym: 豬, 完了，GG

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3388417/page/1

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase that Hong Kong expats use to wish someone prosperous and good fortune during Chinese New Year. Sometimes , it may be mistaken as 'Happy new year' by non-Cantonese speaking expats, even though there is nothing really wrong with saying it to people excessively. (Variant: Kung hei fat choi)

Usage: E.g. Happy Chinese New Year! Gong hei fat choi! Gong hei fat choi!

Synonym: 恭喜發財

Reference: https://www.zalora.com.hk/blog/lifestyle/kung-hei-fat-choi-meaning-how-to-respond-and-common-cantonese-new-year-blessings/

Definition: Often used as 'doing the gym' (做gym) in Cantonese, this refers to doing exercise in the gym.  Sometimes, it is used as 'gym room', which people may mistaken as '健身室室'.

Usage: E.g. 一唔一齊去做gym呀？ E.g. 我仲喺gym room呀，遲D再call你啦。

Synonym: 健身室

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers who want to wish a person to really take the time in enjoying themselves on their birthday rather than being '快樂', which literally translates to 'fast pleasure'.

Usage: E.g. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to 巴打 (brother). Happy birthday to youuuuuu.

Synonym: 生日快樂

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3359244/page/1

Definition: An Englishised code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to a set of viral videos created by two Hong Kong KOL Matthew (matthewpwj_) and Janice (janicewanwan), where typical Hong Kong modern mothers are being imitated and mocked by their Cantonese-English code-mixing conversation style that is supposedly awkward. Even though "Jayden" is taken as a popular name for boys in Hong Kong, other names such as Eunice, Benson, Hailey and many more are used.

Usage: E.g. Jayden, Mommy told you not to play all day. Have you done your homework?

Synonym: Jayden之亂

Reference: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/social-buzz/article/329055/Jayden-mania-How-a-viral-meme-mocking-Hong-Kong-parenting-is-sweeping-the-internet

Definition: Often mistaken as grammatically incorrect and seen as redundant with ‘out’ conforming to ‘列出‘ in Cantonese, this is a code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to jotting down a number of items on a piece of paper or device.

Usage: E.g. 你可以先list out所有項目，然後研究每一個點樣做。(You may first list out all the items, then study how each one can be done.)

Synonym: 列出

Reference: https://ludwig.guru/s/list+out