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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary
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10 random words out of 725 results

big wok

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe a situation where they are in some serious trouble. Sometimes, '大鑊' can be emphasized to a vulgar expression '大撚鑊', which literally translates to 'big penis wok' and means the person is in rather deep sh*t. Usage: E.g. I forgot to bring my wallet! Big wok! (大鑊) E.g. Omg I lost all my money! This time is really big penis wok! (今次真係大撚鑊)Synonym: 大鑊Reference: http://paper.wenweipo.com/2011/03/30/ED1103300032.htm
2024-05-11

Missy

Definition: A code-mixing term meaning female teacher. Usage: Eg. Missy, 請問功課幾時交？ Eg. 仔仔，有d咩唔識記住問missy呀。Synonym: 先生
2023-02-25

cheap

Definition: (adj.) A euphemistic way of saying 'cheap' in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 喂，你唔洗咁cheap嘛？ E.g. 你正cheap精黎架！ E.g. Cheap到咁樣，我真係第一次見。Synonym: 低俗
2023-03-01

hurt

Definition: (adj.) An irreplaceable code-mixing term used to describe an unhappy state, especially when a person has been devastated by someone. Usage: E.g. 喂，你知唔知人地係會好hurt架？ E.g. 喂，你咁講野人地係會好hurt架。 E.g. 點都好，你應該唔好hurt到人先岩。Reference: https://medium.com/@girlslearnenglish/你說話會中英夾雜嗎-被-污名化-的中英夾雜-why-code-mixing-is-totally-fine-32eb1f280ca
2023-03-01

gau dim eat bowl noodle

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe having done a task, which is similar to 'All done!'. Sometimes, '搞掂食碗麵' can be shortened to '搞掂'. Usage: E.g. I have finally done this task! Gau dim eat bowl noodle!Synonym: 搞掂食碗麵Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/12-phrases-you-need-to-know-before-you-visit-hong-kong#:~:text=This%20phrase%20means%20%E2%80%9CAll%20done,can%20announce%20%E2%80%9CGau%20dim!%E2%80%9D
2024-04-28

com

Definition: A shortened code-mixing term meaning 'compromise'. Usage: E.g. 香港人：我地雙方要com吓先得，OK？內地人：說什麼？香港人：ＣＯＭＰＲＯＭＩＳＥ。 E.g. 你：我知道我地好多野都唔係好夾，不過我地com吓咪得囉。朋友：我cｏｍ你老Ｘ！Synonym: 妥協
2023-03-01

mm goi

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by real ABC Hong Kongers to say 'please', 'excuse me' or 'thank you', depending on the situation. (唔該) Usage: E.g. Mm goi. (To call the waiter at a restaurant) E.g. Mm goi jeh jeh (Excuse me, please let me through) E.g. Mm goi sai! (Thank you very much!) E.g. Set A lunch, mm goi. (Set A lunch, please) E.g. Mm goi, where is the MTR? (May I ask where is the MTR?)Synonym: 唔該Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/12-phrases-you-need-to-know-before-you-visit-hong-kong#:~:text=An%2520alternative%2520to%2520%E2%80%9Chou%2520ging,jeng%E2%80%9D%2520if%2520something%2520is%2520awesome.
2024-04-22

stir-fried squid

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to getting fired from a job. (炒魷魚 - caau2 jau4 jyu2) Usage: E.g. I messed up at work today and I got stir-fried squid!!!Synonym: 炒魷魚Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-老細炒咗我魷-stir-fried-me-squid/
2024-04-21

proud of

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers when they want to show how pleased they are towards someone’s achievements, but want to sound less show-off or exaggerated about their feeling. Usage: E.g. 你考試咁高分，我好proud of你呀。(You scored so high in the exam. I am so proud of you.)Synonym: 驕傲，自豪Reference: https://www.threads.com/@grace_interest_english/post/DDthgzMyHsU
2025-11-19

bend machine

Definition: An Englishised code-mixing phrase used by westernised Hong Kongers to describe having an overly powerful ability to do something, such as winning a game. Usage: E.g. I can't believe you are winning every game! Are you bending machine?!Synonym: 屈機Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-guide-hong-kong-cantonese-slang-internet
2025-11-24
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