Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

Definition: A versatile code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to arranging, tidying or wrapping things into a container such as a luggage.

Usage: E.g. 姐姐，我愛你呀。返到屋企，呆左，姐姐知我3日後搬屋，幫我pack好晒d野 (Sister, I love you. I was speechless when I went home. My sister knew I would move to another house three days later so she helped me pack everything.)

Synonym: 執; 包

Reference: https://www.threads.com/share/_tNvRYFKv/

Definition: A way to avoid losing face or embarassment when you do not know how to answer the boss's question. However, it can be considered unprofessional if used too much at a workplace.

Usage: E.g. 你：我搵過好多次，但係somehow條數搵唔到。老細:哦，係呀？（你：我搵過好多次，但係唔知點解條數搵唔到。老細:咁實有原因架喎？） E.g. 你：個printer somehow壞左呀。老細:哦。（你：個printer唔知點解壞左呀。老細:我唔想聽到唔知點解！）

Synonym: 唔知點解

Definition: Derived from 'add oil' in Cantonese, this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that local Hong Kongers use to express encouragement and support for another person.

Usage: Ga yau! You can win this game!

Synonym: 加油

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to tell somebody to hurry up, which is similar to the phrase 'chop chop' in English. (Also see 'la la lum')

Usage: E.g. Ja ja lum go to school now or you will miss the bus! Eg. Finish your homework! Ja ja lum la!

Synonym: 咋咋臨

Definition: Known as Kongish and sometimes used as 'to go rock blasting', this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to refer to going for a wee. (爆石)

Usage: E.g. Please wait a moment. I need to go rock blasting!

Synonym: 爆石

Definition: (adj.) A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to describe the small miniscule parts of something or something as being comprehensive.

Usage: E.g. 因為隻舞係我哋自己編，Sean同大Hugo編，佢哋知道個detail位係邊，佢哋講得好清楚，所以就好快上手啦 (Because the dance was being arranged by us - Sean and Hugo. They knew the detailed parts of it and explained it very well so we could learn it so quickly.) E.g. 洗唔洗咁detail呀？ (Does it need to be that detailed / comprehensive?)

Synonym: 細緻; 詳細

Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZHDDcIFiMy/?igsh=MW00bDQyZ2ZvdHkwMQ== (use mobile version)

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers as a trendier way to refer to artificial intelligence because it sounds more powerful like an entity that is capable of operating on its own rather than something that is just man-made as the Cantonese term denotes.

Usage: 上司：萬一發現AI可以取代你，高層要郁你我都保你唔住呀。你見我隻字不提你就好醒水啦，AI咁勁，分分鐘郁埋我㗎死仔 (Boss: In case people find out that AI can replace you, I can't protect you if the senior executives have to fire you. You see I am not mentioning anything to them so you better be smart. Since AI is so powerful, it might even fire me in a minute, you brat.)

Synonym: 人工智能

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3874628/page/1

Definition: 1. A code-mixing term that refers to a payment for goods or services. 2. Often pronounced as '差廚' (caa1 cyu4), this is a code-mixing term that is used by Hong Kongers to refer to being charged for a crime.

Usage: E.g. 呢間餐廳有冇minimum charge？ E.g. 今次冇落charge？！真幸運！

Definition: A code-mixing term that upper class Hong Kongers use to refer to a dish of food that is eaten before a meal to stimulate or whet one's appetite.

Usage: E.g. D人未到，不如食個appetizer等住先啦？（People have not arrived yet. What about eating an appetizer while we wait?)

Synonym: 前菜

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2723472/page/2

Definition: Originated from a Hong Kong TV advertisement in the 90's, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a second chance, which is most known for warning someone that there is no second chance in life.

Usage: E.g. 香港的公益廣告曾有一句廣告詞「生命無『Take two』」很深入人心，意思是說「生命沒有第二次機會，要珍惜生命」(Hong Kong's public service advertisements once had a well-known slogan "There is no 'Take two' in life", which means "there is no second chance in life, we must cherish life".)

Synonym: 第二次機會

Reference: https://www.tkww.hk/epaper/view/newsDetail/1674492649207500800.html