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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 706 results

invoice

Definition: The Hong Kong way of referring to the invoice sent to customers, as '發票' is rarely used. Usage: E.g. 張invoice send左比個客未呀? E.g. 喂,你咁快send左invoice黎係咪想追我數呀?

fuk

Definition: (textspeak) Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a trap or something of an inferior quality, which is comparable to the word 'dodgy' in English. Usage: E.g. This job is not what I thought! So fuk!Synonym: 伏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)

eat bowl face turn bowl down

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to betraying someone after receiving some offer or advantage from them. (食碗面反碗底) Usage: E.g. I gave you so many benefits and you eat bowl face turn bowl down?!!Synonym: 食碗面反碗底Reference: https://www.scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/486w/public/images/methode/2016/01/21/c10168a8-bff3-11e5-9503-d84cbca18933_486x.jpg?itok=sF-XAnJn

night cat / ghost

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who sleeps very late and doesn't wake up early. Similar to 'night owl' in English. (夜貓/夜鬼) Usage: E.g. Maintain good health by sleeping early! Don't be a night cat / night ghost! Synonym: 夜貓/夜鬼Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/55996/

OT

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to working overtime. Sometimes, it is used as '冬OT' (winter OT), which means 'don't OT'. Usage: E.g. A:死喇,咁多野做。唔知今晚要OT到幾時呢?B:冬OT!Synonym: 加班Reference: http://www.cmi.hku.hk/Ref/Article/article02/01.html

bend machine

Definition: An Englishised code-mixing phrase used by westernised Hong Kongers to describe having an overly powerful ability to do something, such as winning a game. Usage: E.g. I can't believe you are winning every game! Are you bending machine?!Synonym: 屈機Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-guide-hong-kong-cantonese-slang-internet

sik farn

Definition: (textspeak) A Kongish code-mixing term transliterated from ‘食飯’, which means eat rice. Usage: E.g. Sik jor farn mei ar? (食左飯未呀?) E.g. Hor yee sik farn la. (可以食飯喇)Synonym: 食飯Reference: https://hklanguage.home.blog/2019/11/16/the-use-of-transliteration-in-kongish/

people mountain people sea

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Hong Kongers to emphasize how crowded and jam-packed a place is. Usage: E.g. 同事:今日搭車返工多唔多人呀? 你:多呀,可以話係people mountain people sea呀。 E.g. 你:哇,人山人海呀!朋友:簡直係people mountain people sea啦!

my pressure

Definition: Originated from 'my pleasure', this is a code-mixing term used by grassroots Hong Kongers to express their enjoyment in helping someone when they have used 'You are welcome' too often. Also, saying the Cantonese equivalent '我的榮幸' may just sound too formal and exaggerated for a small favour done for someone. Usage: E.g. A: Thank you哂你呀!B: My preeessure.Synonym: 我的榮幸, my pleasureReference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3178884/page/39

approach

Definition: A code-mixing term that overseas educated Hong Kongers use to refer the way in which a person can start a conversation with someone, especially for the purpose of drawing nearer to them in relationship or distance. Usage: E.g. 到底可以點approach男仔? (How on earth can I approach boys?)Synonym: 靠近Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/546513/page/13
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