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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 622 results

sorry

Definition: A more effortless way of apologising to someone without sounding so formal and serious. Sometimes, it is pronounced as 'sor-li'. Usage: E.g. Sorry呀,踩親你。 E.g. Sorry呀,我遲到左。 E.g.你:對唔住!係我抵死,係我唔岩!朋友:唔洗咁隆重。你:SORRY囉。Reference: https://www.academia.edu/8666953/Common_usage_of_code-mixing_among_trilingual_Hong_Kongers

sync

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to whether people are on the same page of a situation or task. Usage: E.g. 我覺得我地唔係好sync。可唔可以catch up一吓我地做既野?Synonym: 同步Reference: https://www.cw.com.tw/article/5114233

See you tomorrow

Definition: It's slang for when a person eats something and it's unsuccessfully digested. Resulting in the food being pooped out the next day still intact. Usage: I'll pass on corn or string mushrooms guys. I don't want a "see you tomorrow" situation happening tomorrow morning

site visit

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers like to use to refer to a physical inspection of a site in order to discuss the scope of work with contractors and foresee any potential problems. Usage: E.g. 進行project之前要做好site visit,以便理解好成個scope。Synonym: 實地考察

reservation

Definition: A classy code-mixing term used by upper class Hong Kongers to refer to arranging something for use at a later time, such as a table or room. Usage: E.g. 唔該可唔可以幫我make個reservation留兩張枱?(Excuse me, can you help me make a reservation for two tables?)Synonym: 預訂Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3981159/page/19

dead air

Definition: This is a code-mixing term that Hong Kongers like to use instead of '冷場' (laang5 ceong4), which literally translates to 'cold scene'. Usage: E.g. 考口試最緊要唔好dead air。Synonym: 冷場Reference: https://www.gotrip.hk/生活/中英夾雜-港式廣東話-gt12-772959/

locker

Definition: Pronounced with a rising intonation on the second syllable and with a non-rhotic 'r' sound at the end of the word, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to a small lockable compartment used in a gym or school. As for the reason why the Cantonese equivalent '儲物櫃' is not used, it could be that it makes it sound like it is made in China. Usage: E.g. Locker好似好少人會講儲物櫃咁。Synonym: 儲物櫃Reference: https://ezone.hk/article/2169173/網民嚴選-10-個用英文多過中文表達的生字-網民-同朕-check-下

Felix Diu

Definition: Originated from the Hong Kong Olympics sprint athlete '刁俊希', this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers when they feel like they cannot bother giving a f*** about something. Usage: E.g. Should I study for this exam? Felix Diu!Synonym: 費撚事屌Reference: https://www.threads.com/@lovelovehannigram/post/DH8tkORpNQ2

yo!

Definition: A code-mixing term that the Hong Kong actor Dicky Cheung (張衛健) loves to use in the "Journey of the West" Cantonese TV episode, in order to display the almighty character of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Usage: E.g. Yo!打妖精咋麻,洗乜驚呀?!Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtl4WF0RwWI&t=224s

which is

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers tend to use instead of the Cantonese equivalent words '即係'. Usage: E.g. 今日呢個demo係做比大家睇既,which is:如果你地有D咩問題想問關於呢個project,或者你地覺得有D咩地方可以再做好D,請隨便發問或者提議。