Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

Definition: A code-mixing term that is often used by people in the IT sector to refer to a computer bug (漏洞).

Usage: E.g. 唔係掛？今次個program有咁多bug？！

Synonym: 漏洞

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to leaving past memories behind so they can progress or continue in life.

Usage: E.g. 被分手嘅大家係點move on? (How does everyone move on from a breakup?)

Synonym: 繼續前行

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2705628/page/6

Definition: A code-mixing term that is used in place of '交'.

Usage: E.g. 同學：份功課幾時due呀？你：好似聽日due得喇喎。

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to show admiration, honour and politeness towards someone who they consider important regardless of age or level of authority.

Usage: E.g. 你一個人做完成個project辛苦曬啦，Respect！(Thank you for having finished the entire project on your own. Respect!)

Synonym: 尊重, 尊敬

Reference: https://www.elle.com.hk/life/popular-slangs

Definition: Known as JM tone and pronounced with an extra 'r' in Armani, this is a code-mixing term used by Hong Kong celebrity Janice Man to refer to the Italian fashion designer and brand.

Usage: E.g.「嚟到GoRgio ARmaRni(Giorgio Armani)嘅show嘅現場…」馬米高聽到一臉疑惑︰「Hello Girl！你去咗冒牌現場啊？ Giorgio Arrr讀到呢度都啱，但係咪ar-MARNI？冇R喎！」(Janice Man: "Arriving at the live show of Giorgio ArmaRni..." Michael Ma heard and suspected: "Hello Girl! Did you go to the fake brand's live show? Giorgio Arrr is pronounced correctly, but is it ar-MARNI? There is no R there!)

Synonym: 喬治·亞曼尼, Giorgio Armani

Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVyay3rgqtf/?igsh=MWU0bGlyajBnM3B5OQ== (use mobile version)

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by working class Hong Kongers when they want to sound less intentional about applying for leave.

Usage: E.g. 記住我聽日day off，有D咩事唔好搵我。(Remember I am taking a day off tomorrow. Please don't bother me if there is anything.)

Synonym: 請假; 放假

Reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/Cantonese/comments/1g1dmdg/請問_香港_係講_工作天_唔講工作日/

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers when they want to describe a girl with flat chest but don't want to get slapped.

Usage: E.g. A: Do you like this girl? B: No, I think she is an airport!

Synonym: 飛機場

Reference: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSZDmyBASgl/?igsh=MXVsbzJhZTFoYnRudw== (use mobile version)

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers use to refer to putting information into a computer. (載入)

Usage: E.g. 點解個website load咁耐都load唔到架？Load得咁慢真係GG喇。

Synonym: 載入

Definition: A way to avoid losing face or embarassment when you do not know how to answer the boss's question. However, it can be considered unprofessional if used too much at a workplace.

Usage: E.g. 你：我搵過好多次，但係somehow條數搵唔到。老細:哦，係呀？（你：我搵過好多次，但係唔知點解條數搵唔到。老細:咁實有原因架喎？） E.g. 你：個printer somehow壞左呀。老細:哦。（你：個printer唔知點解壞左呀。老細:我唔想聽到唔知點解！）

Synonym: 唔知點解

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to avoid seeming as if you have almost forgotten to mention something.

Usage: E.g. By the way, 你可唔可以幫我搞掂埋呢份proposal? E.g. By the way, 你今晚幾時得閒呀?

Synonym: 順便講