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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


102 results found

class

Definition: This is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to social class.  However, it is often pronounced as 'car' or 'car屎' by grassroot class Hong Kongers. Usage: E.g. 喂呢間餐廳好high car屎喎。 E.g. 今日洗唔洗著到咁high car屎呀? E.g. 唔好成日扮到咁high car啦。中左六合彩咩?Synonym: 階層

diu

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers in place of the expletive f-word in English when one is angry and wants to curse. However, the usage of this term may actually only refer to scolding someone and nothing to do with cursing or having sexual intercourse at all. Sometimes, ‘ed’ or ‘ing’ is added to the verb to indicate tense in case the listener finds it ungrammatical. Usage: E.g. Diu! I lost the game again! E.g. My teacher diu'ed me for talking in class today. E.g. Stop diuing me! It wasn’t my fault. Are you crazy?!Synonym: 屌 Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DU5Y2vjEzbU/?img_index=2&igsh=MWlxaDBhbHJlYTR6aA== (use mobile version)

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

fresh carrot skin

Definition: Originated from the olden days where the upper class loved to wear old sheepskin of high quality, this is a Kongish code-mixing term used by Hong Kongers to describe someone who has low social status and tries to mimick the upper class by wearing cheap quality clothing that matches the appearance of expensive clothing. ie. The white colour and look of fresh carrot skin resembles the look of old sheepskin. Usage: E.g. You think you are so high class? What kind of fresh carrot skin are you?Synonym: 新鮮蘿蔔皮Reference: https://voltra.academy/blog/canton2

day off

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/

workload

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to an amount of work in a less quantifiable way, in order to sound less like they are complaining about how much work or burden they have. Usage: E.g. 仲有task要做?我最近已經多左workload。(There are still tasks to do? I already have more workload recently.)Synonym: 工作量Reference: https://www.baby-kingdom.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=23644122

parallel

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to describe something that is going on simultaneously as another, such as a task or event. At other times, it can also be used to describe things happening outside of work such as love relationships. Usage: E.g. 呢兩個task幫我睇吓可唔可以同時parallel咁樣進行。(Help me see whether the two tasks can proceed at the same time.) E.g. 點解拍拖唔可以Parallel咁進行? (Why can't you date more than one person at the same time?)Synonym: 同時間Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3070535/page/1

take advantage

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to exploiting the use of something, even though at times it can seem more like abusing or misusing something instead. Usage: E.g. 有D公司好take advantage D fresh grad,要你做唔哂野要OT。(Some companikes really take advantage of fresh graduates and get them to work overtime.) E.g. 有D員工好take advantage公司D病假。(Some employees really take advantage of the sick leaves offered by companies.)Synonym: 利用, 濫用Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3588289/page/6

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

fank you

Definition: Originated from 'thank you' with the ''f' often mistakened 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/
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