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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 613 results

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/

router

Definition: A code-mixing term that local Hong Kongers use to refer to an equipment that helps connect computer networks together. Usage: E.g. 個router係咪壞左?點解冇network既?Synonym: 路由器Reference: https://www.threads.net/@hongtonese/post/C8zlfwZytLZ

heavy

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe the feeling of eating too much. Usage: E.g. 食完打邊爐再飲咖啡會好heavy。Synonym: 好腬

channel

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers like to use to refer to the language channel that one is speaking in. Usage: E.g. 做咩成日轉channel講英文呀?你喺到扮ABC呀? E.g. 咪住。等我轉一轉channel講返中文先。

bro

Definition: A code-mixing term that real ABC's like to use to show how easygoing they can be. Usage: E.g. Hey bro!不如一齊食飯啦? E.g. Hey bro!放工一齊打波呀?

build raw pork meat

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to place blame on someone in order to let him/her to face charges of crime. Usage: E.g. Let's build raw pork meat on this guy!Synonym: 砌生豬肉Reference: https://evchk.fandom.com/zh/wiki/砌生豬肉
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe that something must be done no matter how worse the situation is. Usage: E.g. I don't care three seven twenty one. This project must proceed!Synonym: 唔理三七廿一Reference: https://www.ourchinastory.com/zh/5530/何謂「唔理三七廿一」?%C2%A0

brainstorm

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to suggesting many ideas for a topic or activity very quickly. Usage: E.g. 大家一齊brainstorm吓產品既idea。Reference: https://www.story001.com/post-196.html

canteen

Definition: A code-mixing term that local Hong Kong students prefer to use over 'cafeteria' from American English, which is not only due to Hong Kong having a British colonial history, but also it is closer to the equivalent term '餐廳' pronounced as 'can-ting' in Mandarin. Usage: E.g. 快啲落canteen霸位食飯啦!(Let's head down to hog the seats at the canteen to have a meal!)Synonym: 餐廳, 飯堂Reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/etymology/comments/m1ytyg/question_etymology_of_canteen_from_french_italian/

firm

Definition: A code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students to describe something or someone being reliable, awesome or decent. Usage: E.g. 呢間canteen好firm。(This canteen is reliable and decent.) E.g. A: 你今次成績點呀?B: 超Firm呀,一定勁高分!(A: How is your exam result? B: Super awesome, certainly very high marks!)Synonym: 掂, 穩陣Reference: https://www.elle.com.hk/life/popular-slangs