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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 744 results

pull a cow up the tree

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe strenuous tasks that are almost impossible to complete. Usage: E.g. Getting my son to do homework is like pulling a cow up the tree!Synonym: 拉牛上樹Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms

up

Definition: A shortened code-mixing term that Hong Kongers often use to refer to uploading files to the internet. ('上載') Usage: E.g. 快D幫我up張相到IG啦!

arts

Definition: A code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students to refer to the DIY handicrafts that can be easily made by anyone, even though such crafts do require creativity to be unique enough like the fine arts sometimes. Usage: E.g. A: 請問你地啲手工藝係咪真係幫到人舒緩壓力?你地係咪讀心理學架?B: 吓?我都想。其實我地都係偏向arts架。(A: May I ask whether your handicrafts really help people to relieve their stress? Do you study psychology? B: What? I wish I do. Actually, we lean more towards the arts.)Synonym: 美術, 勞作

ending

Definition: A code-mixing term that refers to the ending of a matter, story, or event. Usage: E.g. Ending係點,我地自己決定架。(來至電影"明日戰記")Synonym: 結局

meeting

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers often use instead of saying '開會' or having a '會議'. Usage: E.g. 我聽日九點鐘有個meeting。開完meeting再搵你呀?Synonym: 會議Reference: https://theinitium.com/roundtable/20170226-lifestyle-mix-chn-eng/

debate

Definition: A code-mixing term that local Hong Kong students love to use to refer to having an argument with another person in a peaceful, academic manner. Usage: E.g. 我同我個男朋友平時好鍾意嗌交,嗌吓呢樣又嗰樣,不過都係debate姐。(I like to argue with my boyfriend all the time, about this and that, but it's just debating.)Synonym: 辯論Reference: https://www.threads.com/@yyanchi._/post/C3_6NO0ySjE?hl=zh-hk

hea

Definition: (verb) This is an Englishised Cantonese word that refers to slacking off or having nothing to do. Usage: E.g. 哇!今日返工真係好hea呀!E.g.唔洗咁急。Hea下先再做野啦。Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-hea-chok-chur/

Mouse(屎)

Definition: Often added with a 屎, this is a code-mixing term that Hong Kong people use instead of 滑鼠, meaning 'slippery mouse'. Usage: Eg. 個mouse(屎)幾靚喎。喺邊到買?Synonym: 滑鼠Reference: https://www.gushiciku.cn/dl/0pydp/zh-hk

schedule

Definition: A code-mixing term that can hardly be replaced by the equivalent item in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 個project下個月deadline,記住mark低個schedule呀。 E.g. 請問你平時個schedule點架?Reference: https://holiday.presslogic.com/article/224449/港式-廣東話-中英夾雜-口語-香港人-搭lift-食lunch

Excellent

Definition: Used in a famous quote in the movie of Night King, this is a code-mixing term used by Hong Kong celebrity Dayo Wong (黃子華) to emphasize that nothing can beat something that is truly excellent. Usage: E.g. 乜能都唔及Excellent. (Nothing can compare to Excellent.)Synonym: 頂級Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM1q2CIepLQ
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