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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary
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10 random words out of 613 results

lie flat

Definition: Derived from the Chinese internet slang '躺平', this is an Englishised code-mixing term used to describe a lifestyle of doing as little as possible, due to knowing that there is a 'rat race' going on where everyone is competing for jobs such that it is almost impossible to keep up with the societal pressure. Usage: E.g. This exam is so difficult! I am lying flat! E.g. I am not lying flat! I must continue to find a better job!Synonym: 躺平Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-internet-and-texting-slang-to-use-right-now
2025-05-30

job

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to an employment position. (工作) Usage: E.g. Ａ：搵到job未呀? Ｂ：搵緊喇。\nE.g. Ａ：近排有接job嗎? Ｂ：好似好多人搶job。Reference: https://freehunter.hk/news/freelancer搵job三大必睇重點
2024-04-16

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
2025-11-09

project

Definition: A generic code-mixing term that can used for a number of different items in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 你公司近排搞緊D咩project呀？（項目） E.g. 今次呢個project搞成點呀？（研究） E.g. 你諗住下次搞d咩project呀？（計劃） E.g. 小心D呀，唔見寫住project in progress咩？（工程）Reference: https://holiday.presslogic.com/article/224449/港式-廣東話-中英夾雜-口語-香港人-搭lift-食lunch
2023-03-02

collect skin

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to tell somebody to shut the f**k up. It is used instead of the Cantonese equivalent '收皮' in order to tone down the directness of this very rude phrase. It originates from street vendors who used to pack their things up on wooden mats when police arrived back in those days of Hong Kong. Usage: E.g. 喂，講完未呀？Collect skin啦。E.g. 真係頂你唔順呀，快D collect skin啦。Synonym: 收皮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.instagram.com/p/Cy8AD_WtaxO/
2023-10-29

jeng

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used to describe something that is very good or awesome. Usage: E.g. The food is so jeng! (正) E.g. The movie was ho jeng ah! (好正呀)Synonym: 正Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/12-phrases-you-need-to-know-before-you-visit-hong-kong#:~:text=An%20alternative%20to%20“hou%20ging,jeng”%20if%20something%20is%20awesome.
2024-04-28

lift

Definition: Pronounced as 'leeb' (long vowel), this is an a lot more linguistically efficient way of referring to '升降機' in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 等陣呀。我兒家搭緊lift上黎。Reference: https://holiday.presslogic.com/article/224449/港式-廣東話-中英夾雜-口語-香港人-搭lift-食lunch
2023-03-04

madam

Definition: The Hong Kong way of referring to a female police officer (女警官). Usage: E.g. 女警：Target出現。全世界出動！下屬：Yes, Madam！Synonym: 女警官Reference: https://www.gushiciku.cn/dl/0pydp/zh-hk
2023-03-04

inch

Definition: Derived from '寸' in Cantonese, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who is cocky or arrogant. Usage: E.g. 知道你叻喇！不過洗唔洗咁inch呀？（in廚)Synonym: 寸Reference: https://www.hk01.com/熱爆話題/159516/konglish-港式英語鬧爆疑似第三者-網民-香港人先會明嘅英文
2024-04-28

hold gap see

Definition: With a literal meaning of 'very urgent faeces', this is an Englishised code-mixing phrase that is used by native Hong Kongers when one urgently needs to poop. He or she is just so desperate to go to the washroom that the sh*t may already be coming out of the a**hole. Usage: E.g. Hold gap see! Please excuse me for a minute!Synonym: 好急屎Reference: https://www.facebook.com/100063638007113/posts/1372326404898613/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
2025-10-21
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