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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 622 results

anyway

Definition: A term used by native Hong Kongers to divert one topic to another in a polite manner. Usage: E.g. 係呀,個proposal已經搞掂了。Anyway, 我兒家要去開meeting。 E.g. 份proposal仲未搞掂?Anyways, 我兒家要食lunch喇。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

so

Definition: A shortened term for the word 'socialise' in English, which may mean different things in various situations. Usage: E.g. 喂,你so吓人好喎?(to show that you care about others) E.g. 喂,唔好成日掛住soD女仔啦。(to court somebody) E.g. 喂,後生仔要出黎soso吓先得架嘛。(to socialise) E.g. 喂,你最近好似唔係好so-so喎。(being social)

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

black son

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to being very unlucky or unfortunate. (黑仔) Usage: E.g. Today I forgot to bring my homework and give teacher scold. Very black son! (好黑仔)Synonym: 黑仔Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

seven

Definition: Pronounced as 'se-fun' with a rising tone on the second syllable, this is a shortened term used to refer to the 7-Eleven convenience store. Usage: E.g. 今日放工記得去seven買野呀。 E.g. 我要去seven交電話費。

psycho

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kong students use to refer to the subject 'psychology'. Usage: E.g. 讀psycho難唔難呀?聽講今年有好多人肥左。Reference: http://www.patrickchu.net/uploads/9/0/5/3/9053324/2007_free_ppt.pdf

potential

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to display your level of knowledge, as if you come from higher education background. Usage: E.g. 老闆:我覺得呢個idea好有potential。快D走去落實啦。 E.g. 我覺得你個人好有potential。不過就寸左D。

site visit

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers like to use to refer to a physical inspection of a site in order to discuss the scope of work with contractors and foresee any potential problems. Usage: E.g. 進行project之前要做好site visit,以便理解好成個scope。Synonym: 實地考察

jo sun

Definition: A code-mixing term used by real ABC Hong Kongers to say good morning because they cannot pronounce the Cantonese equivalent words '早晨' properly. Usage: E.g. ABC:Jo sun! 本土香港人:吓?你講咩話? ABC:Good morning!Synonym: 早晨

touchwood

Definition: (noun) A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers say in order to avoid bad luck, which is similar to '大吉利是' in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. Touchwood講句,如果件貨聽日唔準時到,請問要等到幾時呢?Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/733616/page/1