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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 701 results

locker

Definition: Pronounced with a rising intonation on the second syllable and with a non-rhotic 'r' sound at the end of the word, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to a small lockable compartment used in a gym or school. As for the reason why the Cantonese equivalent '儲物櫃' is not used, it could be that it makes it sound like it is made in China. Usage: E.g. Locker好似好少人會講儲物櫃咁。Synonym: 儲物櫃Reference: https://ezone.hk/article/2169173/網民嚴選-10-個用英文多過中文表達的生字-網民-同朕-check-下

fo

Definition: An abbreviated code-mixing term that Hong Kongers often use to refer to following someone on social media. Usage: E.g. 你fo左我IG未?快D fo啦!

no need to ask Ah Gui

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to refer to something that is so obvious that there is no need to ask anyone about it, especially after finding out the wrong of somebody. 'Ah Gui' is a name that originated from an infamous official (李世桂) in the Qing Dynasty. Usage: E.g. It must be him who let out the secrets! No need to ask Ah Gui!Synonym: 唔洗問阿貴Reference: https://www.kamadelivery.com/blog/posts/香港10大俗語-地道文化背景大解構/

cool

Definition: A code-mixing term used to mean fashionable and attractive.  However, it can also refer to being snobby sometimes. Usage: E.g. 哇,你載左太陽眼鏡好cool呀。 E.g. 唔好成日係到扮cool啦。你以為你自己好型咩?Reference: https://www.gushiciku.cn/dl/0pydp/zh-hk

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。

work from home

Definition: A code-mixing term that is often used by Hong Kongers instead of '在家工作'. Usage: E.g. 我今日真係爽呀,可以work from home。成日煲netflix都得啦!Synonym: 在家工作

sayunana

Definition: Originated from ‘sayonara’, this is a code-mixing term used by grassroots Hong Kongers who like to show off their limited Japanese language knowledge when they play with kids who are into Japanese anime. Usage: E.g. 下次再同你玩過。Sayunana!Synonym: sayonara, 拜拜Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3743607/page/1

Out bud

Definition: A code-mixing term that refers to ‘out of budget’, which is used by working class Hong Kongers in business meetings. Usage: 做project management只睇兩樣。第一就係有冇outside個scope,第二就係有冇out bud。

suppose

Definition: A generic term for a number of equivalent Cantonese words used to avoid absolute certainty. Usage: E.g. 件貨suppose今日到。(預期-expectedly/predictably) E.g. 我suppose你係岩既。 (假設-guess) E.g. 警察係suppose要保護市民。 (應該-should)

Kong girl

Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to a Hong Kong girl with negative characteristics such as being materialistic, demanding, narcissistic, and suffering from 'princess sickness', and so on. The list of negative things can probably go on and on so it is better for the person reading this to search the internet themselves. Usage: E.g. I am sick of my girlfriend! She is a Kong girl! E.g. Can you stop being a Kong girl for a day? I need some freedom. E.g. Kong girl: Will you buy me an LV handbag?Synonym: 港女Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/7-signs-to-tell-if-youre-a-real-kong-girl
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