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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 744 results

mm goi

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by real ABC Hong Kongers to say 'please', 'excuse me' or 'thank you', depending on the situation. (唔該) Usage: E.g. Mm goi. (To call the waiter at a restaurant) E.g. Mm goi jeh jeh (Excuse me, please let me through) E.g. Mm goi sai! (Thank you very much!) E.g. Set A lunch, mm goi. (Set A lunch, please) E.g. Mm goi, where is the MTR? (May I ask where is the MTR?)Synonym: 唔該Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/12-phrases-you-need-to-know-before-you-visit-hong-kong#:~:text=An%2520alternative%2520to%2520%E2%80%9Chou%2520ging,jeng%E2%80%9D%2520if%2520something%2520is%2520awesome.

locker

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kong students use to refer to '儲物櫃'. Usage: E.g. 哎呀。我唔記得左我D野放左喺locker到。Reference: http://www.patrickchu.net/uploads/9/0/5/3/9053324/2007_free_ppt.pdf

milestone

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to an important stage or event in the development of something. (里程碑) Usage: E.g. 我地公司今年reach到個milestone!Let\'s celebrate!Synonym: 里程碑Reference: https://www.story001.com/post-196.html

siu sum

Definition: (textspeak) A Kongish code-mixing term derived from '小心', meaning becareful. Usage: E.g. This prof real is killer, u better siu sum.Synonym: 小心Reference: https://www.hk01.com/開罐/283411/大學生打字用火星文-10句港式英文拼音大挑戰-測試你識幾多

eyes big see through dragon

Definition: Derived from the idiom '眼大睇過龍', this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to failing to notice something. ie. To overlook. Usage: E.g. A: Where is my phone? B: It's right here in front of you. You are really 'eyes big see through dragon!'Synonym: 眼大睇過龍Reference: https://youtu.be/_3hhDIErE2g?si=SLsZUTCKhV5cfm8x

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

mon

Definition: Derived from 'monitor', this is a highly efficient use of one's eyes to keep track of the progress of somebody or something. Sometimes, even without the use of one's eyes. Usage: E.g. 喂,我咪喺度做緊野囉。你唔洗成日喺度mon住我嘛! E.g. 你:喂,大佬。你唔洗成日打電話黎mon住我嘛?!!對方:大佬?!你邊隻眼見到我mon住你呀?!! E.g. D股市跳得咁勁要成日搵人mon住先得架。

low tech

Definition: (adj) A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to describe something that is very unadvanced in technology.  There is a famous quote that goes "High Tech揩野,Low Tech撈野", which describes the volatility of high-tech products as opposed to low-tech products that have a larger market despite high competition. '撈' refers to '有得撈', which means you can earn a living. Usage: E.g. 今時今日唔可以再咁low tech架喇。快D買返部智能手機啦。Reference: https://www.lib.eduhk.hk/pure-data/pub/201902353/201902353_1.pdf

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!

security

Definition: Pronounced as 'sik-q', this is a code-mixing term used to refer to the security staff of a building. Usage: E.g. 同我快D叫'食Q'黎!
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