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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 946 results

revamp

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers often use to refer to changing something in order to improve or make it new again, such as a website.

Usage: E.g. 個website做revamp要幾耐?

Synonym: 翻新

sensible

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to acting or speaking appropriately rather than being logical in the technical sense. Also, it usually implies having a good level of spiritual maturity in addition to basic common sense so that one does not say or do stupid things that is disrespectful to others.

Usage: E.g. 睇完艾力訪問姜濤,講嘢都好sensible,其實佢個人真係唔差,心地善良 (After watching Eric's interview with Keung To, I thought his words were very sensible. In fact, Keung To is not really that bad of a person, but is kind-hearted.)

Synonym: 理智

Reference: https://www.threads.com/@aa11yy__/post/DQ64WkTEwpw?xmt=AQG0os4onkNngeDaBXXgpug3rEeIp7OiEA1gUR05-T_52H1LwEOo67WyTueAopajb2mrmGYm&slof=1

no need to ask Ah Gui

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to refer to something that is so obvious that there is no need to ask anyone about it, especially after finding out the wrong of somebody. 'Ah Gui' is a name that originated from an infamous official (李世桂) in the Qing Dynasty.

Usage: E.g. It must be him who let out the secrets! No need to ask Ah Gui!

Synonym: 唔洗問阿貴

Reference: https://www.kamadelivery.com/blog/posts/香港10大俗語-地道文化背景大解構/

Of course

Definition: A phrase used by native Hong Kongers to affirm that something is true or obvious, usually among friends and relatives in informal settings, especially with the particle 'la' in Cantonese.

Usage: E.g. 朋友: 今日出街記住載口罩。 你:Of course啦! E.g. 女朋友: 哇,你好叻呀。 你:Of course啦! E.g. 男朋友: 估唔到你咁醒目。 你:Of course啦!

match

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe something or someone that is very similar to or combines very well with something or someone.

Usage: E.g. 哇,D顏色好match呀。 E.g. 你地簡直係perfect match呀!

Synonym: 配

foodie

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Gen Z native Hong Kongers that refers to a person who loves food and likes to try different kinds of food. However, it is often used as a term similar to the level of a gourmet even though the person may not be a food expert.

Usage: E.g. 而家啲ig foodie以為自己真係食評家。(Nowadays the foodies on IG really think they are real gourmets.)

Synonym: 美食愛好者

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2093295/page/1

nei joe mud?

Definition: (textspeak) Known as Martian language, this is a code-mixing phrase used by Hong Kong local students when they want to ask what another person is doing.

Usage: E.g. nei joe mud? (What are you doing?)

Synonym: 你做乜?

Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrQohDNJ9Gp/?img_index=3 (use mobile version)

Hey man

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that westernised Hong Kongers like to use when they want to show their warmth and passion in befriending others, even when they have known a person for just a short while.

Usage: E.g. Hey man,近排幾好嗎?(How have you been?) E.g. Hey man,吃左飯未呀?(Have you eaten yet?) E.g. Hey man,不如今餐我請呀?(What about I treat you this meal?)

Synonym: 喂,老友

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

Excellent

Definition: Used in a famous quote in the movie of Night King, this is a code-mixing term used by Hong Kong celebrity Dayo Wong (黃子華) to emphasize that nothing can beat something that is truly excellent.

Usage: E.g. 乜能都唔及Excellent. (Nothing can compare to Excellent.)

Synonym: 頂級

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM1q2CIepLQ

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