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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


85 results found

ni gor

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase used by Hong Kong expats when they want to order something in a restaurant but don't know how to read a menu. Usage: E.g. Mm goi waiter! Ni gor please!Synonym: 呢個, thisReference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/travel/basic-cantonese-phrases-every-traveller-to-hong-kong-needs-to-know

ngo mm sik gong gwong dong wa

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase used by foreigners when they come across a local Hong Konger who thinks they know how to speak Cantonese. Literal meaning: I don't know how to speak Cantonese. Usage: E.g. Foreigner: Mm goi sai! Dor jeh! Hong Konger: Wow, your Cantonese is so good! Foreigner: Ngo mm sik gong gwong dong wa.Synonym: 我唔識講廣東話Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/travel/basic-cantonese-phrases-every-traveller-to-hong-kong-needs-to-know

fly an airplane

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who fails to show up in an event. Also, used as 'to fly somebody an airplane'. Usage: E.g. We all agreed to go shopping this weekend. Please don't fly airplane! (放飛機) E.g. I know you are busy, but don't fly me an airplane again! (放我飛機)Synonym: 放飛機

cheung fun

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to steamed rice noodle rolls, which is a popular snack at street food vendors. However, this is not to be confused with ‘fun cheung’, which means ‘dick face’ in English. Usage: E.g. Let‘s eat some fun cheung at a Chinese restaurant! Sorry, I mean cheung fun!Synonym: 腸粉Reference: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3318414/what-cheung-fun-different-types-chinese-rice-noodle-rolls-and-how-make-them

mo lei tau

Definition: Transliterated from '冇厘頭' meaning 'with no source', this is a Kongish code-mixing term that is used to describe something that makes no sense. It originated from a type of slapstick humour associated with Hong Kong popular culture in the late 20th century, most notably in Steven Chow's (周星馳) movies. Usage: E.g. I think this story is mo lei tau! But it gives me a very good laugh! (我覺得呢個故事簡直係冇厘頭!不過真係好搞笑!)Synonym: 冇厘頭Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo_lei_tau

quota

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to one's limit of something, such as how much food one can eat. Usage: E.g. 食野要有quota,尤其係生野。 E.g. 我望手機有quota,因為我始終年紀大。Reference: https://www.gotrip.hk/生活/中英夾雜-港式廣東話-gt12-772959/

sayunana

Definition: Originated from ‘sayonara’, this is a code-mixing term used by grassroots Hong Kongers who like to show off their limited Japanese language knowledge when they play with kids who are into Japanese anime. Usage: E.g. 下次再同你玩過。Sayunana!Synonym: sayonara, 拜拜Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3743607/page/1

fank you

Definition: Originated from 'thank you' with the ''f' often mistakened 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: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who does not show gratitude to those who helped him/her after a goal is reached. Usage: E.g. I have helped you reach your goal and you complete forget about me? So does that mean you finished the ritual and ditch the monk?Synonym: 打完齋唔要和尚Reference: https://shyyp.net/hant/phrase/打完齋唔要和尚

gay dor cheen

Definition: A romanised Cantonese phrase that westernised Hong Kongers use to ask a shopkeeper how much something costs, which is extremely effective when bargaining for a lower price at wet markets. It can also be shortened to 'gay cheen' (幾錢). Usage: E.g. Gay dor cheen? (幾多錢?) E.g. Gay cheen? (幾錢?)Synonym: 幾多錢?Reference: https://homekong.com.hk/blogs/read/helpful-cantonese-phrases-to-know