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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 725 results

whatever

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers when they want to express their dissatisfaction towards someone or something when they are running out of patience. Also, a 'la' particle is usually added to the end of it to emphasize the casual tone. Usage: E.g. A:個客講左D咩? B:咪話過要呢樣又嗰樣囉,總之whatever啦。(A: What did the client say? B: Said they wanted this and that, just... whatever la.) E.g. A:今餐想食D咩? B:Whatever啦。(A: What do you want to eat for this meal? B: Whatever la.)Synonym: 咩都好啦Reference: https://www.tkww.hk/epaper/view/newsDetail/1505250505201422336.html

tissue

Definition: Pronounced as 'tee-suu', this is a code-mixing term that Hong Kongers have grown up with and got used to instead of the equivalent term in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 請問有冇tissue呀?。E.g. 唔該比張tissue黎呀,唔該。Synonym: 紙巾

eye degrees

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing term that local Hong Kong students use to refer to the extent someone is shortsighted in degree units. Usage: E.g. You are shortsighted? What is your eye degrees?Synonym: prescription, diopters, 度數Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBmy095Db9U&t=190s

printer

Definition: Often pronounced without the 'r' sounds and with a rising tone on the second syllable, this is an a lot more linguistically efficient way of referring to printer (打印機)in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 內地人:個打印機喺邊呀? 香港人:咩話?三個字咁累贅。叫返printer啦唔該。Synonym: 打印機Reference: http://www.patrickchu.net/uploads/9/0/5/3/9053324/2007_free_ppt.pdf

discuss

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers use to talk about a topic with someone or a group of people and have them share their ideas and opinions. Usage: E.g. 不如一齊discuss吓個project點樣做? E.g. 我地discuss吓個問題,然後再結論。可以嗎?Synonym: 討論

ni gor

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase used by Hong Kong expats when they want to order something in a restaurant but don't know how to read a menu. Usage: E.g. Mm goi waiter! Ni gor please!Synonym: 呢個, thisReference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/travel/basic-cantonese-phrases-every-traveller-to-hong-kong-needs-to-know

flirt

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers often use to refer to chatting up or teasing someone in a playful manner, in order to show that you are interested in them romantically. Sometimes, it can be used interchangebly with '溝' in Cantonese, even though by definition it should be considered a technique rather than pursuing someone seriously. Usage: E.g. 條仔想flirt我,但係我冇理佢。(The guy wanted to flirt with me, but I did not pay him attention.) E.g. A: 唔好成日掛住溝女啦。B: Flirt吓姐,唔係溝。(A: Stop picking up girls all the time. B: Just flirting, not really pursuing.)Synonym: 打情罵俏Reference: https://www.threads.com/@tlyice._.1003/post/DH3K3QMz8_0?xmt=AQF0IPXN1NG4bUNCpCoEWK9j1nBrmidnUCWWQbO5UkWBZorXUuAW_rk2rnqngc_G0_Uo5TM&slof=1

brainstorm

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to suggesting many ideas for a topic or activity very quickly. Usage: E.g. 大家一齊brainstorm吓產品既idea。Reference: https://www.story001.com/post-196.html

attachment

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers like to use to refer to the computer file that is sent along with an email message. Usage: E.g. 我搵唔到你個email既attachment。可以再send多次嗎?Synonym: 附件Reference: https://hk.ulifestyle.com.hk/topic/detail/20052582/香港職場30個中英夾雜用語-內地網民-自己會粵語也聽不懂/1

communication gap

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to illustrate the distance between two parties in terms of their communication, which is often due to their difference in job positions or departments in a company. Sometimes, it may be caused by forgeting to say "double confirm", which is a common phrase used by Hong Kongers at workplace to really make sure that certain information is correct. Usage: E.g. 其實呢啲communication gap 大家可以做好D減少誤會,寫多兩句confirm is better。(As for these communication gaps, it is better for us all to try and minimise misunderstandings by saying 'confirm' more.)Synonym: 溝通差距Reference: https://www.threads.com/@purpzc/post/C-l0fNJyiZM?hl=en
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