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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


143 results found

update

Definition: (adj.) Often pronounced as 'up-day', this is a code-mixing term used to describe someone or something as being very trendy or up-to-date. However, it is also sometimes used as a verb like in native English. Usage: E.g. 你部手機好update喎。(adj.) E.g. Update左個software未呀?(verb)Synonym: 潮; 更新Reference: https://www.inmediahk.net/中英夾雜

buddha-type

Definition: An Englishised code-mixing term used to describe someone who is so calm and relaxed like the almighty Buddha such that he or she does not have time to chase the opposite sex, but focuses on work and personal interests only. Sometimes, it is also used to describe someone who does not get angry easily when things happened. Usage: E.g. Why don't you find a girlfriend? Are you the buddha-type person? E.g. *bump* That hurt when you bumped into me! But I'm okay, my friend!Synonym: 佛系Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/cantonese-slang-of-the-week-buddha-type

weekend

Definition: A more modern and happy-sounding code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers use to refer to period at the end of a week where they like to enjoy it like a real holiday. Usage: E.g. 你哋會唔會weekend 兩日一夜去日本?(Would you go to Japan for two days and one night on the weekend?)Synonym: 週末Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3815081/page/1

siu4

Definition: Derived from ‘笑死’ (laugh die), this is a Kongish code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers on the internet when they want to laugh out loud, just like LOL in English. Usage: E.g. This comedy movie was so funny! Siu4!Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-internet-and-texting-slang-to-use-right-now

click

Definition: A code-mixing term used by overseas educated Hong Kongers to refer to being able to like and understand someone. Usage: E.g. 我覺得我同你click唔到。Synonym: 相處融洽Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2736661/page/3

seafood ghost

Definition: Known as Kongish and transliterated from '屎忽‘ meaning buttocks, this is a code-mixing phrase used to describe someone who always doesn't do what he or she says will do, somewhat like a faggot or asshole in English. Usage: E.g. This guy is such a seafood ghost! We always save him a seat at the restaurant but he never turns up!Synonym: 屎忽鬼Reference: https://evchk.fandom.com/zh/wiki/%E5%B1%8E%E5%BF%BD%E9%AC%BC

promotion

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kong salesman love to use as a strategy to advertise their products without sounding like they're doing it for the sake of spreading the word or selling their product. Usage: E.g. 我地公司兒家做緊promotion。你唔買就走寶喇喂。(Our company is now doing promotion. If you don't buy, you'll miss out.)Synonym: 宣傳,推廣Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340689372_Code-Mixing_as_a_Promotion_Strategy_in_Shopping_Centres

timing

Definition: Often said with a rising intonation on the second syllable, this is a code-mixing term that Hong Konger badminton coaches like to use to refer to the exact point in time of something because the Cantonese equivalent ‘時機’ somehow sounds less accurate. Usage: E.g. 描準個ball,睇好個timing打落去,咁先得架嘛。(Aim at the ball, watch for the right timing and hit it. You got it?)Synonym: 時機

locker

Definition: Pronounced with a rising intonation on the second syllable and with a non-rhotic 'r' sound at the end of the word, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to a small lockable compartment used in a gym or school. As for the reason why the Cantonese equivalent '儲物櫃' is not used, it could be that it makes it sound like it is made in China. Usage: E.g. Locker好似好少人會講儲物櫃咁。Synonym: 儲物櫃Reference: https://ezone.hk/article/2169173/網民嚴選-10-個用英文多過中文表達的生字-網民-同朕-check-下

Holland Bank Cheque

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers when they don’t want to tell somebody directly that they are really f***ing stupid. Even though it looks like a westernised expression, it has a similar pronunciation as '好撚笨柒' in Cantonese, which means 'very f***ing stupid penis'. Usage: A: 有人話我係"荷蘭銀行支票", 何解??? B: HOLLAND BANK CHEQUE~自己讀~Synonym: 好撚笨柒Reference: https://m.discuss.com.hk/index.php?action=thread&tid=9184515
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