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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


584 results found

well-received

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by grassroots Hong Kongers when they want to express gratitude for something they have received, such as an email with an attachment. However, the working class Hong Kongers realise that this is probably not such a suitable term for them to use so they say 'Noted/Received with thanks'. Usage: E.g. Well-received with thanks. Synonym: 收到Reference: https://graduate.ctgoodjobs.hk/article/35656/電郵技巧|商用電郵|職場英語-10個打工仔常犯的英文email錯誤-please-kindly-well-received-with-thanks-都係錯-內附正確寫法

cool

Definition: A code-mixing term used to mean fashionable and attractive.  However, it can also refer to being snobby sometimes. Usage: E.g. 哇,你載左太陽眼鏡好cool呀。 E.g. 唔好成日係到扮cool啦。你以為你自己好型咩?Reference: https://www.gushiciku.cn/dl/0pydp/zh-hk

I mean

Definition: A tag-switching phrase often used by Native Hong Kongers for clarifying on matters. However, it can sometimes be overused by Fake ABC's to strike a western impression on others. Usage: E.g. 份project未搞掂呀。I mean,我岩岩做完要check吓先。 E.g. 港女:你應該食少D野。I mean,你應該減吓肥至岩。 E.g. 香港人:你講咩話?偽ABC:I mean,well... I mean,我覺得你身材唔係好fit囉I mean。Reference: https://www.academia.edu/8666953/Common_usage_of_code-mixing_among_trilingual_Hong_Kongers

alma mater

Definition: A code-mixing term used by overseas educated Hong Kongers to refer to the school that a person had graduated from. However, working class and grassroots Hong Kongers may know this term but not use it because it sounds too Latin than English. Hence, they find ‘mother school’ is more sensible and practical to use. Usage: E.g. 你既alma mater係邊間學校?Synonym: 母校, mother schoolReference: https://youtube.com/shorts/Br8CWgYQNak?si=aFaIMvdv2YSnCxvh

wai wai wai

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to refer to forming inner circles and having decisions made by its members. Usage: E.g. You think they are really inviting a bid? They are just wai wai wai!Synonym: 圍威喂Reference: https://words.hk/zidin/圍威喂

I am very thanks them

Definition: Often described as comparable to the English level of a primary school chicken, this is a code-mixing phrase used by the Hong Kong celebrity Stephy Tang (鄧麗欣) to express sincere gratitude towards other people. Usage: E.g. Reporter: Tell me what you are wearing. Stephy: This is Vivienne Westwood. So I am very happy they give me that dress from England. So I am very thanks them.Synonym: 我係好多謝佢地Reference: https://evchk.fandom.com/zh/wiki/鄧麗欣

team work

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Hong Kong celebrity tutors to refer to a collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal. Usage: E.g. 狀元培育向來都是team work. (Nurturing top scorers has always been team work.)Synonym: 團體合作Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRGmhTQjT1N/?igsh=NWtoNHZ6OGRyOW8x (use mobile version)

proud of

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers when they want to show how pleased they are towards someone’s achievements, but want to sound less show-off or exaggerated about their feeling. Usage: E.g. 你考試咁高分,我好proud of你呀。(You scored so high in the exam. I am so proud of you.)Synonym: 驕傲,自豪Reference: https://www.threads.com/@grace_interest_english/post/DDthgzMyHsU

snake king

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to slacking off at work. Usage: E.g. Don't be such a snake king all the time! Get some work done!Synonym: 蛇王

eat soft rice

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a man who relies on his wife or girlfriend to sustain a living. Usage: E.g. Be a real man and stop eating soft rice!Synonym: 食軟飯
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