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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


588 results found

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

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

dive under water

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to someone who disappeared for a long time and no one knows where they are. Usage: E.g. A: Where did your classmate go? B: I think he dived under water.Synonym: 潛水Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/cantonese-slang-of-the-week-diving-under-water

out cat

Definition: Said to have originated from 'copycat' in English, this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to someone who cheats or copies other people's answers in an exam. (出貓) Usage: E.g. Don't dare to bring out the cat in an exam! (唔好咁大擔考試出貓!)Synonym: 出貓Reference: https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/article/3181508/cat-got-your-tongue-feline-inspired-cantonese-slang-all-kinds

Dim gaai

Definition: (Jyutping) Ask for the reason of things happened Usage: Dim gaai zeoi gan sing jat lok jyu? (點解最近成日落雨?) - Why it always rain recently?Synonym: 點解, Why, 為什麼

I don't know

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by the K-pop singer Jackson Wang (王嘉爾) when he has nothing to say. Even though he was born in Hong Kong, it is often said that he has real American Born Chinese vibe, due to his strong knowledge of English filler terms while speaking in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 我從運動員到練習生到出道,去海外,我自己覺得我係捱到既。但係有時呢D咁既野真係hit到我,我真係...i don't know. (From being an athlete to a trainee to debut then overseas, I always thought I could endure. But when there were things that hit me sometimes, I really just... I don't know.)Synonym: 我唔知Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7-73ZG8G2s

fun cheung

Definition: With a literal meaning of pig‘s intestines, this is a code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to someone who is lazy and has no progress in life. It originates from the swear word '撚樣‘ and is used as a euphemism for calling someone a dick face. Usage: E.g. Ditch me again?! This guy is such a fun cheung! (又放我飛機?呢條友仔正粉腸!)Synonym: 粉腸Reference: https://jyutdictionary.com/dictionary/entry/粉腸

chi ma gun

Definition: Known as Kongish and a much stronger version of 'chi sin' (痴線), this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers describe someone who is crazy, or a situation that is outrageous or unbelievable. (黐孖筋 - ci1 maa1 gan1) Literal meaning: To have your twin wires sticking together, causing short circuit in the brain. Usage: E.g. Why did you scold me?! Are you chi ma gun??!! E.g. Chi ma gun! Don't dare to drive after drinking alchohol again!!Synonym: 黐孖筋

fly an airplane

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who fails to show up in an event. Also, used as 'to fly somebody an airplane'. Usage: E.g. We all agreed to go shopping this weekend. Please don't fly airplane! (放飛機) E.g. I know you are busy, but don't fly me an airplane again! (放我飛機)Synonym: 放飛機

firm

Definition: A shortened term of the word 'confirm' in English, used to maximise communicative efficiency and to get the listener to confirm ASAP. Usage: E.g. 下個月個party既日期firm左未呀? E.g. 你下次個appointment firm左未呀? E.g. Firm左未呀?快D啦。