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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 622 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

project

Definition: A word that Hong Kong local students use to refer to a large piece of work, which is often done in group setting. Usage: E.g. 今學期你有咩group project呀?(課題)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

lie flat

Definition: Derived from the Chinese internet slang '躺平', this is an Englishised code-mixing term used to describe a lifestyle of doing as little as possible, due to knowing that there is a 'rat race' going on where everyone is competing for jobs such that it is almost impossible to keep up with the societal pressure. Usage: E.g. This exam is so difficult! I am lying flat! E.g. I am not lying flat! I must continue to find a better job!Synonym: 躺平Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-internet-and-texting-slang-to-use-right-now

visa

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers often use to refer to the Cantonese equivalent '簽證'. Usage: E.g. 你搞好左travel visa未呀?(旅遊簽證) E.g. 你到外國工作要有working visa架。(工作簽證)

A0

Definition: (textspeak) A Kongish codemixing term that refers to a person who has never been in a relationship before. I.e. Available = 0. Usage: E.g. Nei dou year 4 lah, ng hai lum ju a0 grad har wah. (你都Year 4啦,唔係諗住A0 grad吓話。)Reference: https://www.hk01.com/article/283411?utm_source=01appshare&utm_medium=referral

count down

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to counting down on New Year’s Eve because they were never familiar with anything related to ‘數' since they never attended local schools that taught difficult Math in Chinese. Usage: E.g. New Year’s Eve嗰日你會去邊到count down? (Where will you go for count down on New Year's Eve?)Synonym: 倒數Reference: https://www.esquirehk.com/lifestyle/east-hong-kong-sugar-anime-skyline-countdown-to-2026-party

cheap

Definition: (adj.) A euphemistic way of saying 'cheap' in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 喂,你唔洗咁cheap嘛? E.g. 你正cheap精黎架! E.g. Cheap到咁樣,我真係第一次見。

dik hon

Definition: (textspeak) Derived from comic book characters having a large drop of sweat on their forehead or hair, this is a Kongish code-mixing term that refers to feeling speechless and reticent. Dik hon (滴汗) has the literal meaning of 'drip sweat'. Usage: E.g. Your joke is so lame! Dik hon!Synonym: 滴汗

Come on

Definition: A tag switching phrase overused by Fake ABCs to create a western appeal. Usage: Eg. Come on baby! 聽日同我出街啦!Reference: https://www.ctgoodjobs.hk/article/中英夾雜-同事經常扮abc-文法錯漏百出-打工仔-唔識就講返中文啦/1342-29015

sauce

Definition: A code-mixing term that westernised Hong Kongers love to use to refer to anything that looks like a sauce. Usage: E.g. 半唐番: 可唔可以比啲sauce我? 香港人: 唔係sauce黎架,係醋!(ABC: Can you pass me the sauce? Hong Konger: It's not sauce. It's vinegar!) E.g. 半唐番: 可唔可以比啲sauce我? 香港人: 唔係sauce黎架,係豉油!(ABC: Can you pass me the sauce? Hong Konger: It's not sauce. It's see-yau!)Synonym: 醬Reference: https://auntieemily.com/soy-sauce-chow-mein/