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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 910 results

upload

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers often use to refer to uploading files to the internet. ('上載')

Usage: E.g. 快D幫我upload張相去IG啦!

Synonym: 上載

diu

Definition: (vulgar) 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)

chicken out

Definition: A code-mixing term used by real ABC Hong Kongers to refer to someone deciding not to do something because they are too frightened.

Usage: E.g. 我地講吓飲啤酒咋喎。你唔係咁快就chicken out嘛?

Reference: https://www.tkww.hk/epaper/view/newsDetail/1368997059457323008.html

band

Definition: Often used as '散band', this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to dismissing after an event, such as a party.

Usage: E.g. 今晚幾點散band?

Synonym: 解散

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW0x5-SyI4o

group

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to a relatively small number of people or things being put together but probably not big enough to be an organisation or entity.

Usage: E.g. 我地間公司係一個group,不如加入我地既whatsapp group再傾吓我地可以點合作?(Our company is a group. What about joining our Whatsapp group so we can talk about how we can work together?)

Synonym: 組, 組織, 集團

Reference: https://resources.ctgoodjobs.hk/article/23487/職場熱話-被迫加入廿個公司group-員工-不停彈訊息-連apple-watch都壞埋

swap

Definition: A code-mixing term that overseas educated Hong Kongers use in place of the Cantonese equivalent '交換'.

Usage: E.g. A:我地swap一個球員好唔好?B:好呀,我同你swap啦。

Synonym: 交換

O mouth

Definition: Derived from 'O嘴', this is a Kongish code-mixing term that refers to feeling surprised and astonished to the point where your mouth literally opens in an O shape.

Usage: E.g. I was O mouth to see the football match turned around! (今次場波反敗為勝,真睇到我O哂嘴。)

Synonym: O嘴

Reference: https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/features/article/3096419/learn-cantonese-slang-many-faces-hongkongers

pretend to be a pig to eat a tiger

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to acting dumb and innocent in order to win someone, such as in a card game.

Usage: E.g. I know you've got an ace up your sleeves! Stop pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger!

Synonym: 扮豬食老虎

Reference: https://ling-app.com/yue/cantonese-slang-words/

sor

Definition: A shortened form of 'sorry' that is often used by Hong Kongers.

Usage: E.g. Sor,唔小心踩到你。 E.g. *碰到人* Sor,sor,sor。

Synonym: Sorry, 對唔住

keep fit

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to refer to staying healthy and in good shape by doing physical exercise.

Usage: E.g. 平時食咁多野又忙住做野,要keep fit先得架!(If you eat a lot regularly and are busy working all the time, you should keep fit!)

Synonym: 保持身體健康

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Za8b2zE0uYg

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