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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 706 results

seed

Definition: Known as Kongish and used as '有種' (have seed), this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to not being afraid or having the guts to do something. Usage: E.g. If you have seed, then I will give you some colour see see! (有種)Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

revamp

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers often use to refer to changing something in order to improve or make it new again, such as a website. Usage: E.g. 個website做revamp要幾耐?Synonym: 翻新

book

Definition: To reserve something, such as an appointment or place, without sounding like it's a date. Usage: E.g. 請問你幫我book左個appointment未? E.g. 聽日book左枱未呀?(訂枱)Reference: https://www.lib.eduhk.hk/pure-data/pub/201902353/201902353_1.pdf

meme

Definition: Often pronounced as ‘mee-mee’ with a falling intonation, this is a code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students to refer to an idea, image or video that is spread quickly on the internet. Usage: E.g. 有冇人覺得香港人整啲meme好撚尷尬???(Does anyone think the memes made by Hong Kong people are so f***ing awkward?)Synonym: 迷因圖, 咪咪Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2213202/page/18

warm up

Definition: A code-mixing term that can also be used to refer to a non-human object. Usage: E.g. 咁快開波?等我warm up吓先。 E.g. 同事A:喂,部機咁慢既? 同事B:部機要warm up吓先得架。

wear a green hat

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe a man whose wife is cheating on him. Usage: E.g. Why did you have to cheat on me and let me wear the green hat for so long?!! Synonym: 載綠帽Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-slang-you-need-to-know-right-now?utm_campaign=likeshopme&utm_medium=instagram&utm_source=dash+hudson&utm_content=www.instagra (use mobile version)

Sei fo

Definition: (Kongish) When something goes completely wrong. Or doesn't work out (fail, flop) Usage: Sei fo! We didn't prepare for the presentation today. It was a total flop!Synonym: 死火

Last day

Definition: This is a code-mixing phrase commonly used to replace最後一日 when the last day of activity is reached. Usage: E.g. 今日係唔係last day?

big lemon coke

Definition: Known as Kongish and derived from '大檸樂', this is a more euphemistic way of saying the vulgar expression '大撚鑊', which means a big f***ing serious trouble has occurred. Usage: E.g. I forgot to hand in my assignment yesterday. Big lemon coke!Synonym: 大檸樂

Hey man

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that westernised Hong Kongers like to use when they want to show their warmth and passion in befriending others, even when they have known a person for just a short while. Usage: E.g. Hey man,近排幾好嗎?(How have you been?) E.g. Hey man,吃左飯未呀?(Have you eaten yet?) E.g. Hey man,不如今餐我請呀?(What about I treat you this meal?)Synonym: 喂,老友
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