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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


149 results found

say no

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use when they want to express rejection politely without sounding so blunt. Usage: E.g. 我發現幾多人返工唔識Say No。(I found out there are many people who don't know how to say no at work.) E.g. 唔好意思,我要揸車,所以要對酒精say no。(Sorry, I need to drive so I have to say no to drinking.)Synonym: 講唔好Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3268602/page/1

build raw pork meat

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to place blame on someone in order to let him/her to face charges of crime. Usage: E.g. Let's build raw pork meat on this guy!Synonym: 砌生豬肉Reference: https://evchk.fandom.com/zh/wiki/砌生豬肉

Merry Christmas

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers prefer to use to accompany Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus because they can experience the happiness first with ‘merry’ compared to the Cantonese equivalent ’聖誕節快樂‘ where the happiness '快樂‘ is placed after Christmas. Usage: E.g. 聖誕節又黎喇!Merry Christmas! (Christmas is coming! Merry Christmas!)Synonym: 聖誕節快樂, 聖誕快樂Reference: https://www.weekendhk.com/香港好去處/聖誕好去處-商場-打卡-飄雪-3275849/

night cat / ghost

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who sleeps very late and doesn't wake up early. Similar to 'night owl' in English. (夜貓/夜鬼) Usage: E.g. Maintain good health by sleeping early! Don't be a night cat / night ghost! Synonym: 夜貓/夜鬼Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/55996/

gossip

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers which is a more generic and less vivid way of calling someone who is too preoccupied with talking about other people’s lives. Usage: E.g. 唔好成日掛住gossip,專注啲做野啦!(Stop gossipping all the time and focus on your work!)Synonym: 諸事八卦, 閒言閒語, 講是非Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2683169/page/1

common friend

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to a mutual friend or a friend in common. Usage: E.g. 佢係我地個common friend黎架。 E.g. 我地唔係好熟,不過有好多common friend。Synonym: 共同朋友Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP2Tu1kqrQc&t=4s

pattern

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers like to use instead of '圖案'. Usage: E.g. 件衫個pattern幾靚喎。喺邊到買架? E.g. 同學:喂,你覺得每次D MC題目會有咩pattern呀?Synonym: 圖案

match

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe something or someone that is very similar to or combines very well with something or someone. Usage: E.g. 哇,D顏色好match呀。 E.g. 你地簡直係perfect match呀!Synonym: 配

sweet

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who is nice and kind, as well as an intimate relationship between a couple. Usage: E.g. 哇,你真係好sweet呀!(貼心) E.g. 呢對情侶好sweet呀。(甜蜜)Synonym: 貼心, 甜蜜

fans

Definition: Pronounced as 'fan-see' with a rising intonation on the second syllable, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to admirers of a person, such as a celebrity.  Sometimes, the transliteration of the word '粉絲' is used instead. Usage: E.g. 我係你既忠心fans黎架。同我影張相好嗎?Synonym: 粉絲