Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers use to refer to the activity of finding a job, which definitely sounds more fun, exciting and challenging than the Cantonese equivalent terms '求職' and '找工作'.

Usage: E.g. A: 你搵到工嗎? B: 冇呀，我仲喺到job hunting。

Synonym: 求職, 找工作

Reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/HongKong/comments/1opsow8/job_hunting_socialising_in_hk/

Definition: Sometimes shortened and pronounced as ‘probay’, this is a code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to the period of time at the start of a new job when one is being evaluated and tested to see whether they are suitable for the job.

Usage: E.g. 過唔到probation通常唔關工作能力事。多數關得罪人事。(Not passing probation usually does not have to do with one's working ability, but rather to with people issues.)

Synonym: 試用期, 緩刑

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3946396/page/2

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by Fake ABC Hongers to tell people to rest in peace when they die.

Usage: E.g. Oh no... 呢個新聞好慘呀。希望佢地rest in pieces啦。(Oh no... This news is a tragedy. I hope they will rest in peace.)

Synonym: 安息

Reference: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ9ucAey0SY/?igsh=MXdtZmkxcGl0cDV1MQ== (use mobile version)

Definition: A code-mixing term used by waitresses at the famous Tam Jai Sam Gor noodle restaurant to refer to something that is fixed, such as food items on a menu.

Usage: E.g. 譚仔阿姐：個餐係set咗咁多個餸架。唔洗你揀。(Tam Jai waitress: The meal is already set with that many food items. No need for you to choose.)

Synonym: 設定

Reference: https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3286078/hong-kongs-tam-jai-noodle-joint-waitresses-are-stars

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to having enough guts to do something. (夠薑)

Usage: E.g. If you have enough ginger, then fight me!

Synonym: 夠薑

Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/phorum/read.php?3,139574,139575

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers use to refer to computer that has become unavailable, possibly due to a crash.  Sometimes, it is used as the shortened version of 'download'.

Usage: E.g. 大獲喇！公司server down機呀！快Ｄ搵人整呀！（當機） E.g. Down完個file未呀？咁耐既？（下載）

Synonym: 當機; 下載

Reference: https://www.studocu.com/hk/document/city-university-of-hong-kong/world-englishes/lecture-3-city-university-of-hong-kongen5714-world-englishes-and-the-social-context-of/20063922

Definition: A person that talks too much or gossips

Usage: Don't be such a saliva man! Please mind your own business.

Synonym: 口水佬

Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/41520/

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used by local student Hong Kongers to refer to a female janitor or cleaner.

Usage: E.g. My aunt is a sodiasm in Queen Elizabeth hospital.

Synonym: 掃地阿嬸

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)

Definition: A code-mixing term that local student Hong Kongers use to refer to 'music society'.

Usage: E.g. 唔知mu so今個sem有咩搞呢？

Synonym: 音樂學會

Definition: A code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students when they want to pause and think how to answer a question, even though it doesn't necessarily imply their ignorance.

Usage: E.g. 唔識答就話that’s a very good question, 然後帶佢遊花園 (If you don't know how to answer, just say that's a very good question. Then beat around the bush.)

Synonym: 問得好

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2767347/page/3