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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 910 results

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

ho sick

Definition: A romanised code-mixing term used by Hong Kong expats to describe something as delicious or very yummy.

Usage: E.g. If you want to say something is delicious in Cantonese, you need to say 'ho sik'. The Jyutping for this is hou2 sik6. The 'sick' needs to be a low sixth tone.

Synonym: 好食

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wAqzV4KgPZA

nei joe mud?

Definition: (textspeak) Known as Martian language, this is a code-mixing phrase used by Hong Kong local students when they want to ask what another person is doing.

Usage: E.g. nei joe mud? (What are you doing?)

Synonym: 你做乜?

Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrQohDNJ9Gp/?img_index=3 (use mobile version)

OK

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Miss Hong Kong girls when they genuinely find something as acceptable or satisfactory, such as marrying a guy who is not rich.

Usage: E.g. 莊子璇:一定要同富豪,同有錢人一齊,我覺得又唔一定,都係一個刻板印象嚟,我都可以同一個好愛嘅人或者佢冇乜錢我都Ok。(Hilary Chong: Being with a tycoon or a rich guy, I don't think it is necessary. This is only a stereotype. I can also be with a person I love or if he doesn't have much money I'm also OK.)

Synonym: 可以(接受)

Reference: https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/60346013/莊子璇被封-富豪殺手-反擊網民對港姐有偏見-佢冇乜錢我都ok?itm_source=universal_search&itm_campaign=hk01&itm_content=all&itm_medium=web

tiramisu

Definition: Often mistaken as a Japanese dessert, this is an Italian code-mixing term used by upper class Hong Kongers who are on a diet but cannot resist the temptation of eating desserts such as cheesecakes so they pick tiramisu which contains a lot less fat.

Usage: E.g. 不如食埋tiramisu先埋單好嗎?我兒家減緊肥,不過唔算太過分啫?(What about eating a tiramisu before we get the bill? I am going on a diet, but I don’t think this would be too fat to eat?

Synonym: 提拉米蘇

Reference: https://amp.lihkg.com/thread/3766385/page/1

Oh my God

Definition: A tag-switching phrase overused by Fake ABC's in Hong Kong to create a western appeal.

Usage: E.g. Oh my God!今日咁曬我都唔記得帶suncream呀! E.g. Oh my God!我從來都未買過件dress係咁靚架!

Reference: https://travel.ulifestyle.com.hk/news/detail/12179/明明無r音都要捲舌-5大令人頂唔順的偽abc特徵/1

primary school chicken

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who is dumb, inexperienced, and immature.

Usage: E.g. Pay attention to what the person who is saying during the meeting! Stop acting like a primary school chicken!

Synonym: 小學雞

Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-slang-you-need-to-know-right-now?utm_campaign=likeshopme&utm_medium=instagram&utm_source=dash+hudson&utm_content=www.instagra (use mobile version)

three does not know seven

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who does not know anyone. Originated from a game similar to Rummikub where pulling cards should add up to nine, but not over. Otherwise, the player will lose the game.

Usage: E.g. I have never been to this event before! Everyone was like 'three does not know seven'!

Synonym: 三唔識七

Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms

need son ng need mum

Definition: An idiom made popular by the toy product 'Need Son Ng Need Mum', this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to the Chinese family tradition of favouring sons over daughters in carrying on a bloodline.

Usage: E.g. A: Do you think you come from a traditional family? B: Yes! Need son ng need mum!

Synonym: 要仔唔要乸, 重男輕女

Reference: https://www.threads.com/@apetoys/post/DNfCsgkP2qd/限量預訂嘩曱甴懷孕動物-要仔唔要乸-第六彈-小強系列need-son-ng-need-mum-small-strong-series全12款1隱藏款每盒都有男b

two five boy

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to someone who betrays others. ie. A traitor. (二五仔)

Usage: E.g. I can't believe you are the two five boy who let out the secret!

Synonym: 二五仔

Reference: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202105/25/AP60ac0e63e4b0a46dabeb8867.html

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