145 results found
Definition: Often pronounced as ‘ah-lo’, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to the letter ‘r’. Even though some Hong Kongers are aware of the prestigious ‘r’ that is pronounced rhotically, most of them choose not to say it in social situations because it sounds too pretentious like a fake American born Chinese.
Usage: E.g. 去日本旅行要搭JR。(Going on vacation in Japan needs taking the J Ah-lo.)
E.g. 請問MTR喺邊到? (May I ask where is the M-tee-ah-lo?)Synonym: Ah-lo
Definition: Often pronounced as ‘cummun’, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers when they want to express how common something is without making it sound unpopular or nothing special.
Usage: E.g. 做呢個行業好common架咋。(This occupation is so common!)Synonym: 普遍, 普通Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/C04Br91vuJT/
Definition: Often pronounced in two syllables as 'shu-ah' and used with ‘唔‘ (not), this is a cool sounding code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers when they want to express absolute uncertainty over a subject matter in an informal setting.
Usage: E.g. 佢係唔係好叻？我唔sure。(Is he really smart? I am not sure.)
E.g. 今日會唔會落雨？我唔sure。(Will it rain today? I am not sure.)
E.g. 佢阿媽係唔係女人？我唔sure。(Is his mom a woman? I am not sure.)Synonym: 肯定Reference: https://www.discuss.com.hk/viewthread.php?tid=30817621
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who is so stubborn that their neck is like leaning towards one side.
Usage: E.g. Listen to us for once! Don't be always so dead cow's one-sided neck la!Synonym: 死牛一邊頸
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
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who does not know anyone. Originated from a game similar to Rummikub where pulling cards should add up to nine, but not over. Otherwise, the player will lose the game.
Usage: E.g. I have never been to this event before! Everyone was like 'three does not know seven'!Synonym: 三唔識七Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe a situation where they are in some serious trouble. Sometimes, '大鑊' can be emphasized to a vulgar expression '大撚鑊', which literally translates to 'big penis wok' and means the person is in rather deep sh*t.
Usage: E.g. I forgot to bring my wallet! Big wok! (大鑊)
E.g. Omg I lost all my money! This time is really big penis wok! (今次真係大撚鑊)Synonym: 大鑊Reference: http://paper.wenweipo.com/2011/03/30/ED1103300032.htm
