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10 random words out of 917 results
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who is crazy, or a situation that is outrageous or unbelievable. (痴線 - ci1 sin3) Literal meaning: To have your electrical wires touching. Ie. Short circuit in the brain.
Usage: E.g. Chi sin! You used all your money to gamble?! E.g. Chi sin! The restaurant gave me the wrong bill! E.g. Chi sin! You won the lottery?!!
Synonym: 痴線
Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/8-colloquialisms-unique-to-cantonese
Definition: Said to have originated from 'copycat' in English, this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to someone who cheats or copies other people's answers in an exam. (出貓)
Usage: E.g. Don't dare to bring out the cat in an exam! (唔好咁大擔考試出貓！)
Synonym: 出貓
Definition: An Englishised code-mixing phrase that refers to someone who disappeared for a long time and no one knows where they went.
Usage: E.g. I will be blacklisting this guy who promised to attend the conference but went scuba diving!
Synonym: 潛水
Definition: A code-mixing phrase that a Jayden Mami likes to repeatedly use to order their children to show gratitude to someone.
Usage: E.g. Katherine, 人地比野你, 你要講 thank you, 你要say thank you, 快D say thank you. (Katherine, when people give you something, you need to say thank you, you have to say thank you. Say thank you quickly!)
Synonym: 講多謝
Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVAkhPqj83Z/ (use mobile version)
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
Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to a telephone number.
Usage: E.g. 香港人：可唔可以交換number呀？內地人：咩number呀？香港人：緊係電話number啦。
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uik5GWvXiLA&t=210s
Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer people coming together. Even though the term can be used both formally and informally in English, it can actually be more personal and intimate than '聚會' in Cantonese.
Usage: E.g. 女友稱約朋友去酒店Gathering 男友事後問起她卻支吾以對 (Girlfriend said she was going to a hotel with friends for a gathering, but when her boyfriend asked her about it later, she gave evasive answers.)
Synonym: 聚會
Reference: https://www.gotrip.hk/網絡熱話/女友稱約朋友去酒店gathering疑似出軌-637892/
Definition: A code-mixing term used by Hong Kong aunties to refer to the Cathay Pacific airlines. However, it may have nothing to do with Cathay being a cafe.
Usage: E.g. A: 你搭咩航空？ B: Cafe Pacific囉。
Synonym: 國泰
Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRCavrZCNbZ/?igsh=MTNmNHJmNGtmOG4xZw== (use mobile version)
Definition: Derived from literal translation, this is an Englishised code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to a giraffe in a cute way.
Usage: E.g. A giraffe is actually a "long neck deer" in Cantonese.
Synonym: 長頸鹿
Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUVzFQYEZ_R/?igsh=NjM5bzc1YXp5MWFi (use mobile version)
Definition: Originated from an early pension scheme offered by the Hong Kong government in the 2000's, this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to a very generous voluntary severance package. Also known as the "golden handshake".
Usage: E.g. Let's apply for a fat chicken meal and retire early!
Synonym: 肥雞餐
Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-fat-chicken-meal-肥雞餐-language-hong-kong/