130 results found
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
Definition: A way to avoid losing face or embarassment when you do not know how to answer the boss's question. However, it can be considered unprofessional if used too much at a workplace.
Usage: E.g. 你：我搵過好多次，但係somehow條數搵唔到。老細:哦，係呀？（你：我搵過好多次，但係唔知點解條數搵唔到。老細:咁實有原因架喎？）
E.g. 你：個printer somehow壞左呀。老細:哦。（你：個printer唔知點解壞左呀。老細:我唔想聽到唔知點解！）
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
Definition: (vulgar, textspeak) A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who's idiotic and stupid. It originated from the Cantonese words '憨鳩' because the '鳩' (penis) has a similar pronunciation as the number 9 in Cantonese.
Usage: E.g. Why did you piss on me? Are you on9? (憨鳩)
E.g. Don't be so on99 and watch where you're going! (憨鳩鳩)Synonym: 憨鳩Reference: https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=28512
Definition: 1. (adj). To describe a hectic state where you are so busy that you feel like you cannot breathe.
2. (verb). An Englishised code-mixing term that refers to exhausting oneself in order to get work done in a short period of time, which is usually brought on by demanding customers or people of high authority.
Usage: E.g. 今日返工真係好chur呀。(adj)
E.g. 哇，呢個客洗唔洗chur到咁盡呀？比條生路人地行吓好嗎？(verb)Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-hea-chok-chur/
Definition: Derived from '公主病', this is a Kongish code-mixing term that refers to a female who acts like a princess all the time and possesses the worst possible qualities such as narcissism and materialism. It tends to associate with Hong Kong women and is quite stereotypical of '港女', the Kong girl.
Usage: E.g. 港男：Why are you scolding me like this? Do you have princess sickness? (你做咩喺度鬧我呀? 你係咪有公主病?)Synonym: 公主病Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/49823/
Definition: Pronounced as 'tee-suu', this is a code-mixing term that Hong Kongers have grown up with and got used to instead of the equivalent term in Cantonese.
Usage: E.g. 請問有冇tissue呀？。E.g. 唔該比張tissue黎呀，唔該。
