Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to a year where one’s Chinese zodiac offends or clashes with the God of Tai Sui, which means the fortune of the year will not be as smooth as others.

Usage: I was born in the year of the snake and I am fan tai sui this year! Let’s go to the temple to pray for protection and peace!

Synonym: 犯太歲

Reference: https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/tai-sui/

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase meaning something is of the best quality. It cannot get better than it already is.

Usage: E.g. Wa! This dim sum is mou dak ding!

Synonym: 冇得頂

Reference: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/mou-dak-ding-learn-cantonese-slang-wx2f-carlosdouh-youtube--475552041888237723/

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase that Hong Kong expats use when they don't understand what someone is saying in Cantonese.

Usage: Hong Konger: 你叫咩名? Expat: Mm sick teng.

Synonym: 唔識聽

Reference: https://geoexpat.com/forum/53/thread22332-2.html

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase that Hong Kong expats use to tell someone to hurry up. The particle 'la' is often added for emphasis.

Usage: Fai di la! The bus is here!

Synonym: 快D啦

Reference: https://geoexpat.com/forum/53/thread22332-2.html

Definition: This is a Cantonese slang that refers to a situation where a player has a clear opportunity to score a point. The slangs origin comes from a volleyball game where a sports announcer said "Cha SIU" instead of the word "chance". Although the word came from a volleyball game initially, it's more widely used in badminton games.

Usage: That was a total set up for a smash, total Cha SIU!

Synonym: 食叉燒

Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-生舊叉燒好過生你-better-to-give-birth-to-char-siu-than-you/#:~:text=Sik6%20caa1%20siu,back%20into%20its%20own%20court.

Definition: A person that talks too much or gossips

Usage: Don't be such a saliva man! Please mind your own business.

Synonym: 口水佬

Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/41520/

Definition: A romanised code-mixing term that foreignised Hong Kongers use when they want to say ‘yes’ to someone.

Usage: Hong Konger: Are you a gweilo? Foreigner: Hai.

Synonym: 係

Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/travel/basic-cantonese-phrases-every-traveller-to-hong-kong-needs-to-know

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase that westernised Hong Kongers use when they want to apologise politely for something.

Usage: E.g. *Holding up a queue* Mm ho yi si. E.g. *Butts into a conversation* Mm ho yi si. Where is the MTR?

Synonym: 唔好意思

Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/travel/basic-cantonese-phrases-every-traveller-to-hong-kong-needs-to-know

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase used by westernised Hong Kongers when they cannot get the f**k out the train on the MTR. Literal meaning: Please move aside.

Usage: E.g. Mm goi. (唔該) *nobody moves* Mm ho yi si. (唔好意思) *nobody moves* Mm goi jeh jeh! (唔該借借) *people move out of the way*

Synonym: 唔該借借

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase used by foreigners when they come across a local Hong Konger who thinks they know how to speak Cantonese. Literal meaning: I don't know how to speak Cantonese.

Usage: E.g. Foreigner: Mm goi sai! Dor jeh! Hong Konger: Wow, your Cantonese is so good! Foreigner: Ngo mm sik gong gwong dong wa.

Synonym: 我唔識講廣東話

Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/travel/basic-cantonese-phrases-every-traveller-to-hong-kong-needs-to-know