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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


572 results found

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

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!)

encore

Definition: Pronounced as 'N-call', this is a code-mixing term used to get the performer to sing one more time at the end of a concert. Usage: E.g.今次演唱會唔知會ENCORE幾多次呢? E.g. Encore!!!我今次要encore到爆為止!

receiver

Definition: A code-mixing term that local Hong Kongers use to refer to a small wireless unit that is plugged into a computer’s USB port for receiving signals for a keyboard or mouse. Usage: E.g. 有冇見過我個receiver? 我好似唔見左。Synonym: 接收器

cut my head and let you sit on it as a chair

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to strongly express promise in doing something when the other person does not believe in you. (批個頭比你當凳坐) Usage: E.g. If I don't return my money back to you by tomorrow, then I cut my head and let you sit on it as a chair!!!Synonym: 批個頭比你當凳坐Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

signature

Definition: A code-mixing term that local Hong Kongers like to use to refer to a distinctive characteristic by which someone or something can be identified. Usage: E.g. 中英夾雜絕對係香港人signature。 E.g. 呢碟菜就係呢間餐廳既signature。Synonym: 標誌,招牌菜Reference: https://www.threads.net/@hongtonese/post/C8zlfwZytLZ

act like a crab

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who is bragging about their achievements. (扮哂蟹 - baan6 saai3 haai5) Usage: E.g. A: Stop acting like a crab! You think you are better than me?!Synonym: 扮哂蟹Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-大頭蝦-big-head-prawn-language-hong-kong/

work

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Hong Kongers to emphasize the reality of a situation, as even lovers have a working relationship sometimes. In other cases such as a workplace, it is simply to match the working atmosphere. Usage: E.g. 你:我地之間唔係好work呀,你明唔明呀?男/女朋友:明白。(你:我地之間唔係好得呀,你明唔明呀?男/女朋友:你講緊邊方面唔得呀?!) E.g. 你:個program唔work呀。老細:哦。(你:個program唔得呀。老細:又唔得!)

chee sor

Definition: A romanised code-mixing term that real ABC’s like to use to refer to toilet. (廁所) Usage: E.g. Excuse me? Where is the chee sor?Synonym: 廁所Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/12-phrases-you-need-to-know-before-you-visit-hong-kong#:~:text=An%2520alternative%2520to%2520“hou%2520ging,jeng”%2520if%2520something%2520is%2520awesome.

team work

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Hong Kong celebrity tutors to refer to a collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal. Usage: E.g. 狀元培育向來都是team work. (Nurturing top scorers has always been team work.)Synonym: 團體合作Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRGmhTQjT1N/?igsh=NWtoNHZ6OGRyOW8x