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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 822 results

chi sin

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who is crazy, or a situation that is outrageous or unbelievable. (痴線 - ci1 sin3) Literal meaning: To have your electrical wires touching. Ie. Short circuit in the brain. Usage: E.g. Chi sin! You used all your money to gamble?! E.g. Chi sin! The restaurant gave me the wrong bill! E.g. Chi sin! You won the lottery?!!Synonym: 痴線Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/8-colloquialisms-unique-to-cantonese

hiking

Definition: A code-mixing term that westernised Hong Kongers like to use to refer to the sport of walking long distances on mountains because they have gotten so used to it and see it as a hobby rather than something laborious like '行山', which literally translates to 'walk mountain'. Usage: E.g. 今個weekend去唔去hiking呀? 不如今次行遠D呀? (Do you want to go hiking this weekend? What about going on a longer trail?)Synonym: 行山Reference: https://letsgohiking.blog/

thinking

Definition: A code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students to cover a range of criteria in an exam such as a person's thought or perspective, process of thinking, mental attitude, reasoning path, etc. Sometimes, it may be a term short for critical thinking. Usage: E.g. 考作文好睇你個thinking。(A writing exam really tests your thinking.)Synonym: 諗法; 思路; 思考; 思想; 思維 Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2517481/page/2

fank you

Definition: Originated from 'thank you' with the ''f' often mistaken as an English mistake while it is known as TH-fronting, this is a code-mixing term used by upper class Hong Kongers to show their sincere gratitude towards someone. Usage: E.g. 今餐等我請啦。Fank you. (Let me treat you this meal. Thank you.)Synonym: Thank you, 多謝Reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/linguistics/comments/12to083/curious_about_some_british_people_pronounce_th_as/

one ball seventy percent off

Definition: Derived from '一波三折', this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe an unexpected event with twists and turns. Literal meaning: A wave that is split into three segments. Usage: E.g. 呢排真係好黑仔呀。簡直係one ball seventy percent off呀。(一波三折)Synonym: 一波三折Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/58665/

count down

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to counting down on New Year’s Eve because they were never familiar with anything related to ‘數' since they never attended local schools that taught difficult Math in Chinese. Usage: E.g. New Year’s Eve嗰日你會去邊到count down? (Where will you go for count down on New Year's Eve?)Synonym: 倒數Reference: https://www.esquirehk.com/lifestyle/east-hong-kong-sugar-anime-skyline-countdown-to-2026-party

lose P

Definition: Originated from '甩P' in Cantonese, this is a Kongish code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to losing one's probationary driving licence period in order to obtain a full driving licence. Usage: E.g. 在香港新領取車牌後,需在汽車展示「P」字,司機擁有1年駕駛經驗方可獲正式駕駛執照,即俗稱「甩P」。(After receiving a new car licence in Hong Kong, the "P" sign is required to be displayed on a person's car. Drivers need to have one year of driving experience before they can obtain a full driving licence, commonly known as "lose P".)Synonym: 甩PReference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ6XwbejWAe/ (use mobile version)

cheers

Definition: A code-mixing term used by upper class Hong Kongers when they celebrate an occasion with a drink, such as beer, wine or soft drinks. Usage: E.g. 大家一齊飲杯啦!Cheers! (Let's make a toast. Cheers!)Synonym: 乾杯, 飲杯, 飲勝Reference: https://jyutdictionary.com/dictionary/entry/飲杯

high tech

Definition: (adj) A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to describe something that is advanced in technology.  There is a famous quote that goes "High Tech揩野,Low Tech撈野", which describes the volatility of high-tech products as opposed to low-tech products that have a larger market despite high competition. Usage: E.g. 哇,張枱有自動升降好high tech呀。Reference: https://www.lib.eduhk.hk/pure-data/pub/201902353/201902353_1.pdf

professor

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kong students use to refer to '教授'. Usage: E.g. 有咩唔識快D問Professor啦! E.g. Professor到未架,咁耐既?Reference: http://www.patrickchu.net/uploads/9/0/5/3/9053324/2007_free_ppt.pdf
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