Instagram
English | Chinese
10 random words out of 910 results
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
Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to meeting and spending time with people as a normal everyday activity without sounding so deliberate.
Usage: E.g. 有冇人其實唔想同同事social (Is there anyone who actually doesn't want to socialise with colleagues?)
Synonym: 社交; 交際
Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3655725/page/2
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
Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by upper class Hong Kong girls who are really honest about how much money they spend.
Usage: E.g. 我需要啲咩啫，嚟嚟去去我咪又係食叉燒飯、意粉，I don't really spend money.（我根本唔花錢）對我嚟講無關係，我真係無嘢。(E.g. What do I really need? Wherever I go I just eat barbeque pork rice, pasta, I don't really spend money.(I don't spend money at all) Money doesn't matter to me, I really don't care.)
Synonym: 我根本唔花錢
Definition: (idiom) Derived from '雞同鴨講', this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe two people who are unable to understand each other due to a difference of language or values. In other words, the conversation just seems to go round and round with each person talking over each other.
Usage: E.g. I think we will never understand each other because we work in different departments. What a chicken and duck talk!
Synonym: 雞同鴨講
Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-word-of-the-month-雞同鴨講-chicken-duck-talk/
Definition: Sometimes shortened and pronounced as ‘probay’, this is a code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to the period of time at the start of a new job when one is being evaluated and tested to see whether they are suitable for the job.
Usage: E.g. 過唔到probation通常唔關工作能力事。多數關得罪人事。(Not passing probation usually does not have to do with one's working ability, but rather to with people issues.)
Synonym: 試用期, 緩刑
Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3946396/page/2
Definition: A versatile code-mixing term that local Hong Kong students use in a variety of situations, depending on the context. However, the recently popular phrase of 'take嘢' can also be roughly translated into a number of different things and not only refer to taking drugs, as the Cantonese word '嘢' has a literal meaning of 'thing'.
Usage: E.g. 你諗住take邊科? (Which subject will you take?) E.g. 我要take個sick leave. (I will need to take a sick leave.) E.g. 上堂要記住take notes. (Remember to take notes during lesson.)
Synonym: 拿取, 攞, 拎
Definition: A code-mixing term that is often used in the workplace environment of Hong Kong to refer to a proposal document.
Usage: E.g. 老細叫你打嗰份proposal打完未呀？E.g. 今次份proposal太短喇，又唔夠detail。再打過啦。
Synonym: 計劃書
Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by working class Hong Kongers to emphasize the duration of time that an event is happening which is probably not coming to an end so soon.
Usage: E.g. 總之as long as我係你個上司，你就要聽我講既野。(In short, as long as I am your superior, you have to listen to what I say.)
Synonym: 只要
Definition: A euphemistic code-mixing term that refers to the same item ‘廁所’ in Cantonese.
Usage: E.g. 老師，唔該可唔可以去toilet呀？ E.g. 咁多位，我去一去toilet先。