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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


268 results found

jumpy

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to a CV or resume that has a work history of many different jobs in a short period of time. Usage: E.g. HR:你份CV太jumpy喇!D公司睇到唔會想見你!

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!)

claim

Definition: This is a code-mixing term used to refer to claiming money.  However, it is often pronounced as 'kam' by grassroot class Hong Kongers. Usage: E.g. 請問讀完個course有冇得kam返d錢架? E.g. 請問d飯錢可唔可以問返公司kam架?Reference: https://holiday.presslogic.com/article/224449/港式-廣東話-中英夾雜-口語-香港人-搭lift-食lunch

no eye see

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that refers to something that is like an eyesore to oneself because he or she cannot withstand it anymore. Usage: E.g. 你地做成日都打爛野。我真係no eye see喇。(冇眼睇)Synonym: 冇眼睇Reference: https://hklanguage.home.blog/tag/kongish/

unjoy

Definition: A code-mixing term that the Hong Kong celebrity '肥媽' like to use to refer to enjoying oneself on the stage by shaking along music or rhythm. Usage: E.g. 上到舞台一定要unjoy!

qualie

Definition: Pronounced as 'call-lee' with a rising tone on the second syllable, this code-mixing term is used by native Hong Kongers to refer to the English word 'qualification'. Often used together with the word 'show' to mean 'show off'. Usage: E.g. 你冇qualie就唔好係到扮哂野啦。 E.g. 你唔好係到掛住show qualie啦,兄弟。 E.g. 睇唔出你咁有qualie喎。

seed

Definition: Known as Kongish and used as '有種' (have seed), this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to not being afraid or having the guts to do something. Usage: E.g. If you have seed, then I will give you some colour see see! (有種)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

goldfish man

Definition: Known as Kongish and originated from a story where a man used to lure children by promising to buy them goldfish, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to a paedophile. (金魚佬) Usage: E.g. Stop buying me chocolate and lure me like a goldish man!Synonym: 金魚佬Reference: https://www.scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/486w/public/images/methode/2016/01/21/c10168a8-bff3-11e5-9503-d84cbca18933_486x.jpg?itok=sF-XAnJn

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.