Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a subject matter that is less socially loaded, people-oriented or even gossipy.

Usage: E.g. 成日都講人是非，可唔可以轉topic？(The conversation is always gossiping about others. Can we change the topic?)

Synonym: 話題

Reference: https://spencerlam.hk/blog/2022/02/01/group-discussion技巧/

Definition: (textspeak) Derived from comic book characters having a large drop of sweat on their forehead or hair, this is a Kongish code-mixing term that refers to feeling speechless and reticent. Dik hon (滴汗) has the literal meaning of 'drip sweat'.

Usage: E.g. Your joke is so lame! Dik hon!

Synonym: 滴汗

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Miss Hong Kong celebrity Grace Chan to refer to an "unknown liquid" that was splashed on her son’s head by a woman while watching a Spiderman movie in a cinema.

Usage: E.g. 陳凱琳指兒子被淋Cream受驚已報警：而據悉在觀眾散場時，該名女子疑因不滿而突然發難，涉嫌直接向陳凱琳兒子的頭部潑淋不明乳狀液體，隨後迅速離開現場。愛子心切的陳凱琳在諮詢後，已於翌日前往中區警署報案 (Grace Chan reported to the police after her son was splashed by cream: It is reported that as the audience was leaving, a woman apparently dissatisfied suddenly lashed out, allegedly pouring an unknown liquid directly on the head of Grace Chan’s son before quickly fleeing. Deeply concerned for her son, Grace Chan sought advice and filed a police report at Central Police Station the next day.)

Synonym: 忌廉

Reference: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3600942/陳凱琳回應影院風波-證二仔被淋Cream已報警好心痛-兒子疑踢凳惹女觀眾發難

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers who rely on Apple company completely for their phone warranty service.

Usage: E.g. Q: 點解你個IPhone唔用case? A: 因為我有Apple care. Apple幫我care. 我唔洗care. I don’t care! (Q: Why don't you have a case for your IPhone? A: Because I have Apple Care. Apple helps me take care of my phone, which means I don't need to care. I don't care!)

Synonym: 蘋果保養

Reference: https://www.discuss.com.hk/viewthread.php?tid=30600166

Definition: A code-mixing term that westernised Hong Kongers love to use to refer to anything that looks like a sauce.

Usage: E.g. 半唐番: 可唔可以比啲sauce我? 香港人: 唔係sauce黎架，係醋！(ABC: Can you pass me the sauce? Hong Konger: It's not sauce. It's vinegar!) E.g. 半唐番: 可唔可以比啲sauce我? 香港人: 唔係sauce黎架，係豉油！(ABC: Can you pass me the sauce? Hong Konger: It's not sauce. It's see-yau!)

Synonym: 醬

Reference: https://auntieemily.com/soy-sauce-chow-mein/

Definition: Pronounced as 'call-lee' with a rising tone on the second syllable, this code-mixing term is used by native Hong Kongers to refer to the English word 'qualification'. Often used together with the word 'show' to mean 'show off'.

Usage: E.g. 你冇qualie就唔好係到扮哂野啦。 E.g. 你唔好係到掛住show qualie啦，兄弟。 E.g. 睇唔出你咁有qualie喎。

Definition: 1. (noun) A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers love to use to refer to internet access. 2. (verb) A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers like to use to refer to social networking.

Usage: E.g. 今日公司network有D問題，成日search野都好慢，仲間唔中會斷。 E.g. 最近有冇出去同人network？

Definition: A code-mixing term that local Hong Kong students use to refer to sitting through a lecture without participating in it, which is usually used for those who don't belong to the class or course.

Usage: E.g. 同學：可以邀請我sit堂嗎？ E.g. 我見到嗰位先生成日要sit堂。係助教還是professor?

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to a year where one’s Chinese zodiac offends or clashes with the God of Tai Sui, which means the fortune of the year will not be as smooth as others.

Usage: I was born in the year of the snake and I am fan tai sui this year! Let’s go to the temple to pray for protection and peace!

Synonym: 犯太歲

Reference: https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/tai-sui/

Definition: Often pronounced with a long vowel 'feet', this is a code-mixing term that is more appropriate to use when describing someone in good shape.

Usage: E.g. 男仔：哇，你身材幾好喎。女仔：咸濕仔！ E.g. 男仔：哇，你身材好標準喎。女仔：死咸濕仔！ E.g. 男仔：哇，你好fit喎。女仔：多謝。