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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 622 results

copy and paste

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that even young and senior local Hong Kong students like to use to refer to duplicating information in the digital format because they were just never used to Chinese Windows. Usage: E.g. A:搵AI gen成編文出黎,再copy and paste落自己份功課到咪得囉。B:喂,你唔好教壞我喎?!(A: Just get the AI to generate some essay, then copy and paste it into your homework. Done! B: Hey, don't teach me a wrong habit!)Synonym: 複製與貼上Reference: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hk/香港語文

touchwood

Definition: (noun) A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers say in order to avoid bad luck, which is similar to '大吉利是' in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. Touchwood講句,如果件貨聽日唔準時到,請問要等到幾時呢?Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/733616/page/1

No worries

Definition: A code-mixing term that real ABC's like to use to show their friendliness or generosity. Usage: E.g. No worries。今餐我比住先啦。 E.g. No worries。我幫你搞掂左喇。

I really appreciate it

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by overseas educated Hong Kongers who want to express their sincere gratitude towards someone without saying 'thank you' repetitively. Usage: E.g. 唔該哂你幫我手呀。I really appreciate it.Synonym: 我好感激你Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKwHZnk1ZNs

fly an airplane

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who fails to show up in an event. Also, used as 'to fly somebody an airplane'. Usage: E.g. We all agreed to go shopping this weekend. Please don't fly airplane! (放飛機) E.g. I know you are busy, but don't fly me an airplane again! (放我飛機)Synonym: 放飛機

explode rock

Definition: Known as Kongish and sometimes used as 'to go rock blasting', this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to refer to going for a wee. (爆石) Usage: E.g. Please wait a moment. I need to go rock blasting!Synonym: 爆石

collect skin

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to tell somebody to shut the f**k up. It is used instead of the Cantonese equivalent '收皮' in order to tone down the directness of this very rude phrase. It originates from street vendors who used to pack their things up on wooden mats when police arrived back in those days of Hong Kong. Usage: E.g. 喂,講完未呀?Collect skin啦。E.g. 真係頂你唔順呀,快D collect skin啦。Synonym: 收皮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.instagram.com/p/Cy8AD_WtaxO/

psycho

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kong students use to refer to the subject 'psychology'. Usage: E.g. 讀psycho難唔難呀?聽講今年有好多人肥左。Reference: http://www.patrickchu.net/uploads/9/0/5/3/9053324/2007_free_ppt.pdf

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

kai

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to someone who is silly and stupid. ie. An imbecile. Usage: E.g. 唔好成日咁KAI喺到亂咁嗌啦!你係低能定係白痴架?! E.g. Don't be so kai yelling all the time! Are you low b or an idiot?