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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


636 results found

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

lie flat

Definition: Derived from the Chinese internet slang '躺平', this is an Englishised code-mixing term used to describe a lifestyle of doing as little as possible, due to knowing that there is a 'rat race' going on where everyone is competing for jobs such that it is almost impossible to keep up with the societal pressure. Usage: E.g. This exam is so difficult! I am lying flat! E.g. I am not lying flat! I must continue to find a better job!Synonym: 躺平Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-internet-and-texting-slang-to-use-right-now

gau dim eat bowl noodle

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe having done a task, which is similar to 'All done!'. Sometimes, '搞掂食碗麵' can be shortened to '搞掂'. Usage: E.g. I have finally done this task! Gau dim eat bowl noodle!Synonym: 搞掂食碗麵Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/12-phrases-you-need-to-know-before-you-visit-hong-kong#:~:text=This%20phrase%20means%20%E2%80%9CAll%20done,can%20announce%20%E2%80%9CGau%20dim!%E2%80%9D

mm goi jeh jeh

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase used by westernised Hong Kongers when they cannot get the f**k out the train on the MTR. Literal meaning: Please move aside. Usage: E.g. Mm goi. (唔該) *nobody moves* Mm ho yi si. (唔好意思) *nobody moves* Mm goi jeh jeh! (唔該借借) *people move out of the way*Synonym: 唔該借借

onsite

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers like to use to describe a job that must be done in a company office. Usage: E.g. 份合約講明份工要onsite做,冇得work from home。Synonym: 現場,在工地

jam

Definition: (verb) A code-mixing term that local Hong Kongers like to use to refer to paper being stuck in a printer. Usage: E.g. 個printer又jam紙?唔係掛?Synonym: 卡住紙Reference: https://www.threads.net/@hongtonese/post/C8zlfwZytLZ

old seafood

Definition: Derived from '老屎忽' meaning 'old buttocks', this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase used to refer to a person who has high authority in a company but often looks down on the subordinates, points fingers at them, and uses them to his or her advantage. Usage: E.g. My senior is such an old seafood! He just likes to point his finger at people and doesn't do anything himself!Synonym: 老屎忽

nei ming ng ming gong mud ye?

Definition: (textspeak) A Kongish code-mixing phrase that is often used among local students in Hong Kong girl schools when they cannot understand what the teacher says in a lesson. Usage: E.g. *Teacher explains what to do for the lesson* Student A: Nei ming ng ming gong mud ye? Student B: Ng ming.Synonym: 你明唔明講乜野?Reference: https://www.hk01.com/開罐/124322/集體回憶-90後最有共鳴火星文-禾刀吾g-3-你有無份

Holland Ben 7

Definition: (textspeak) A Kongish code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers when one feels embarassed about something stupid that he has done but still wishes to admit it honestly. While the phrase is English-sounding with Holland being a western country and Ben being an English name, it is actually homophonous with '好撚笨柒' in Cantonese, which has the literal meaning of 'very f***ing stupid penis'. Usage: E.g. I forgot my wallet at home! I am Holland Ben 7!Synonym: 好撚笨柒, Holland Bank Cheque

uncle feet

Definition: Derived from the punning of '縮腳' with '叔' (uncle) having a similar pronunciation as '縮' (to shrink) , this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that is used to tell someone to watch their feet. Usage: Eg. I am mopping the floor. Uncle feet!Synonym: 縮腳Reference: https://youtu.be/_3hhDIErE2g?si=SLsZUTCKhV5cfm8x
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