Define Your Term | Login
What is code-mixing? | Mission | About | Learn More | Downloads | Lectures | Videos |
Instagram Instagram
English | Chinese

Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 725 results

well-received

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by grassroots Hong Kongers when they want to express gratitude for something they have received, such as an email with an attachment. However, the working class Hong Kongers realise that this is probably not such a suitable term for them to use so they say 'Noted/Received with thanks'. Usage: E.g. Well-received with thanks. Synonym: 收到Reference: https://graduate.ctgoodjobs.hk/article/35656/電郵技巧|商用電郵|職場英語-10個打工仔常犯的英文email錯誤-please-kindly-well-received-with-thanks-都係錯-內附正確寫法

the show must go on

Definition: Became known by the TVB episode 'The Queen of News', this is a code-mixing phrase said by working class Hong Kongers to encourage people to continue doing what they have set out to do, even if it means taking risks and receiving consequences. Usage: E.g. 冇人敢報等我嚟吖!萬一touchwood報錯咪賴落我度咯,I have nothing to lose。我宗旨好簡單,the show must go on。(If no one dares to report this, then I'll do it! If the news turn out to be wrong, then blame it on me, touchwood. I have nothing to lose. My goal is very simple, the show must go on.)Synonym: 表演必須繼續Reference: https://hk.ulifestyle.com.hk/topic/detail/20021530/新聞女王-高海寧重現主播喊住報死訊新聞一幕-雙眼通紅淚珠滑落與現實如出一轍/1

wish

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers who believe that making wishes should be done with eyes closed and not involve any '望', which has a literal meaning of gaze or look. Usage: E.g. 新一年你有咩wish呀?快啲make a wish啦!(What is your wish for the new year? Make a wish quickly!)Synonym: 願望Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3584700/page/1

go through

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to examining something in detail. Usage: E.g. 老闆:開會時記住同大家go through一下今個week既items。Reference: https://www.story001.com/post-196.html

movie

Definition: Classified as 'JM tone', this is a code-mixing style adopted by Hong Kong celebrity Janice Man to represent the upper class.  (Notice that the letter m is a voiced consonant in this word and should be emphasized for extremely proper pronunciation.) Usage: E.g. 我週末得閒既時候會同朋友去睇mmmovie。Synonym: 電影

Robert

Definition: Often used as an idiom, this is a code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to a stupid person. (For female version, see 'Lulu') Usage: E.g. 唔好當我係Robert喎! (Stop treating me like a stupid person!)

rocket science

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that overseas educated Hong Kongers use to emphasize that something is not a complex problem. Usage: E.g. 呢個問題唔係rocket science。再一齊諗諗佢就解決得到。Reference: https://www.mi-learning.com/itsnotrocketscience-meaning/

sai

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term added to the end of verbs to express the meaning of completely or to a large extent. (晒 - saai3) Usage: E.g. Mm goi sai! (Thank you so much!) 唔該晒 E.g. Dor jeh sai! (Thank you very much!) 多謝晒 E.g. Jo sai! (Done everything!) 做晒 E.g. Sik sai! (Eaten everything!) 食晒 E.g. Mo sai! (No more left!) 冇晒Synonym: 晒Reference: http://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/characters/1592/

cut

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to hanging up the phone. Usage: E.g. 又cut我電話?咩事呀? E.g. 呢D sales再打黎cut佢線得架喇。Reference: https://repository.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/tc/item/cuhk-321644

Dim gaai

Definition: (Jyutping) Ask for the reason of things happened Usage: Dim gaai zeoi gan sing jat lok jyu? (點解最近成日落雨?) - Why it always rain recently?Synonym: 點解, Why, 為什麼
Define Your Term | Learn More