167 results found
Definition: Transliterated from '冇厘頭' meaning 'with no source', this is a Kongish code-mixing term that is used to describe something that makes no sense. It originated from a type of slapstick humour associated with Hong Kong popular culture in the late 20th century, most notably in Steven Chow's (周星馳) movies.
Usage: E.g. I think this story is mo lei tau! But it gives me a very good laugh! (我覺得呢個故事簡直係冇厘頭！不過真係好搞笑！)Synonym: 冇厘頭Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo_lei_tau
Definition: A way to avoid losing face or embarassment when you do not know how to answer the boss's question. However, it can be considered unprofessional if used too much at a workplace.
Usage: E.g. 你：我搵過好多次，但係somehow條數搵唔到。老細:哦，係呀？（你：我搵過好多次，但係唔知點解條數搵唔到。老細:咁實有原因架喎？）
E.g. 你：個printer somehow壞左呀。老細:哦。（你：個printer唔知點解壞左呀。老細:我唔想聽到唔知點解！）
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who does not show gratitude to those who helped him/her after a goal is reached.
Usage: E.g. I have helped you reach your goal and you complete forget about me? So does that mean you finished the ritual and ditch the monk?Synonym: 打完齋唔要和尚Reference: https://shyyp.net/hant/phrase/打完齋唔要和尚
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
Definition: (vulgar, textspeak) A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who's idiotic and stupid. It originated from the Cantonese words '憨鳩' because the '鳩' (penis) has a similar pronunciation as the number 9 in Cantonese.
Usage: E.g. Why did you piss on me? Are you on9? (憨鳩)
E.g. Don't be so on99 and watch where you're going! (憨鳩鳩)Synonym: 憨鳩Reference: https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=28512
Definition: Originated from a tradition where people would donate gifts to those in need, this is a code-mixing term used by upper class Hong Kongers who do not want to be misunderstood as the day on which they would open presents, as the Cantonese equivalent terms denote the opening of presents on that day.
Usage: E.g. 聽日就係boxing day。你會去邊到shopping？(Tomorrow is boxing day. Where will you go shopping?)Synonym: 節禮日, 拆禮物日Reference: https://zh-yue.wikipedia.org/wiki/拆禮物日
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
