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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 822 results

lang

Definition: A code-mixing term that overseas educated Hong Kongers use to refer to '靚', which describes something as beautiful or good-looking. Usage: E.g. No, but seriously it’s really lang, you are the one who said hou ce right?Reference: http://www.lingref.com/isb/4/039ISB4.PDF

as

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use when they want to illustrate a point from a certain person’s role, but without much emphasis on what it means to be in that role entirely. Usage: E.g. 或者只係as一個消費者去against for尊重及權益:呢個只係好first step嘅抗議。我地有權維護自己利益,再而就罷買 (Or just as a consumer to against for respect and rights - This is just a very first step protest. We have the right to uphold our own interests and then boycott as a consumer.)Synonym: 作為Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/113938/page/23

lecture

Definition: A code-mixing term that local Hong Kong university students love to use instead of '講座', which means a formal talk on a subject by a professor. Usage: E.g. 其實上lecture根本浪費時間。Synonym: 講座Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/475538/page/2

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

visa

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers often use to refer to the Cantonese equivalent '簽證'. Usage: E.g. 你搞好左travel visa未呀?(旅遊簽證) E.g. 你到外國工作要有working visa架。(工作簽證)Synonym: 簽證

latte

Definition: Originated from Italian meaning 'milk', this is a code-mixing used by upper class Hong Kongers to refer to the type of coffee made with espresso and hot steamed milk, which they believe should not be as heavy as other kinds of coffee as the term '拿鐵' denotes, which has the literal meaning of 'carry metal'. Usage: E.g. 唔該,我想要一杯tall size既latte。(Excuse me, may I have a tall sized latte?)Synonym: 拿鐵Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3648151/page/1

well-received

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by grassroots Hong Kongers when they want to express gratitude for something they have received, such as an email with an attachment. However, the working class Hong Kongers realise that this is probably not such a suitable term for them to use so they say 'Noted/Received with thanks'. Usage: E.g. Well-received with thanks. Synonym: 收到Reference: https://graduate.ctgoodjobs.hk/article/35656/電郵技巧|商用電郵|職場英語-10個打工仔常犯的英文email錯誤-please-kindly-well-received-with-thanks-都係錯-內附正確寫法

one man band

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to a job position that covers almost all the duties that an entire department has. Usage: E.g. 我份工係one man band,所以都幾忙架。Synonym: 一腳踢Reference: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/一腳踢

negative

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers as a neutral and factual way of referring to interview feedback of disapproval. Usage: E.g. 今次interview既feedback都冇D咩negative野。(The interview feedback this time did not have anything negative.)Synonym: 負面Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/1058101/page/1

can

Definition: Sometimes said with a fist pump gesture, this is a code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to express absolute affirmation towards the feasibility of an idea. Usage: E.g. 當然啦! 呢個idea絕對can啦! (Of course! This idea is absolutely feasible!)Synonym: 可以, 可行
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