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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 822 results

dress code

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to the rules being set on how you should wear for a situation or event. Usage: E.g. 聽晚要去公司function?有冇話咩dress code呀?Synonym: 服裝規範Reference: https://www.englishok.com.tw/toeic/toeic-issue/crystal_lee_english_speaking

double check

Definition: A nicer-sounding phrase than '重複檢查' or '檢查兩次', which means to check again or check two times. Usage: E.g. 每次考試時記住double check份卷。

Wa

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used as an interjection to express surprise, which is equivalent to ‘wow’ in English. Usage: E.g. Wa! People mountain people see! (So many f***ing people)Synonym: 哇

pull a cow up the tree

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe strenuous tasks that are almost impossible to complete. Usage: E.g. Getting my son to do homework is like pulling a cow up the tree!Synonym: 拉牛上樹Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms

water fish

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a person who is easily deceived or fooled. Usage: E.g. Some people say Hong Kong is an international water fish city! (國際水魚都市)Synonym: 水魚

match

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe something or someone that is very similar to or combines very well with something or someone. Usage: E.g. 哇,D顏色好match呀。 E.g. 你地簡直係perfect match呀!Synonym: 配

sharp

Definition: 1. (adj) A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to describe a person being clever or quick to notice things. Sometimes, it is used as 'sharp醒'. 2. (adj) Used to describe someone's appearance as being too eye-catching. Usage: E.g. 哇,乜今日咁sharp醒呀?咁快做哂D野? E.g. 呢件衫D顏色太sharp喇。Reference: http://www.cmi.hku.hk/Ref/Article/article02/01.html

fact check

Definition: Often pronounced as 'fat check', this is a code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to verifying the validity and accuracy of something. Usage: E.g. 洗唔洗fact check一吓呢個人係真定係假?(Do we need to fact check this person to see if he is real or fake?)Synonym: 事實查核Reference: https://medialiteracy.hk/不看你絕對後悔:fact-check背後的「真相」/

encore

Definition: Pronounced as 'N-call', this is a code-mixing term used to get the performer to sing one more time at the end of a concert. Usage: E.g.今次演唱會唔知會ENCORE幾多次呢? E.g. Encore!!!我今次要encore到爆為止!Synonym: 唱多一次

gay

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who has an interest in the same gender without making it sound so clear and explicit in case someone is eavesdropping. At other times, it can be used to describe something as awkward such as a plot in a story or film. Usage: E.g. A: 我想問你一個問題:你係咪gay架? B: 唔好喇掛,我唔想搞gay。 (A: I want to ask you a question: Are you gay? B: No thanks, I don't want to be gay.) E.g. A: 今次套電影好睇嗎?B: 我覺得啲劇情好gay囉。(A: Do you like the movie this time? B: I think the story is really gay.)Synonym: 同性戀, 搞gayReference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/1088/
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