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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 744 results

say no

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use when they want to express rejection politely without sounding so blunt. Usage: E.g. 我發現幾多人返工唔識Say No。(I found out there are many people who don't know how to say no at work.) E.g. 唔好意思,我要揸車,所以要對酒精say no。(Sorry, I need to drive so I have to say no to drinking.)Synonym: 講唔好Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3268602/page/1

hit

Definition: Pronounced as 'heet' (long vowel), this is a code-mixing term that refers to something being very successful or popular. Usage: E.g. 呢套戲好hit呀。快D睇啦。 E.g. 呢首歌又好似hit返喇喎。

Jayden mania

Definition: An Englishised code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to a set of viral videos created by two Hong Kong KOL Matthew (matthewpwj_) and Janice (janicewanwan), where typical Hong Kong modern mothers are being imitated and mocked by their Cantonese-English code-mixing conversation style that is supposedly awkward. Even though "Jayden" is taken as a popular name for boys in Hong Kong, other names such as Eunice, Benson, Hailey and many more are used. Usage: E.g. Jayden, Mommy told you not to play all day. Have you done your homework?Synonym: Jayden之亂Reference: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/social-buzz/article/329055/Jayden-mania-How-a-viral-meme-mocking-Hong-Kong-parenting-is-sweeping-the-internet

people mountain people sea

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing term used by Hong Kongers to emphasize how crowded and jam-packed a place is. Usage: E.g. 同事:今日搭車返工多唔多人呀? 你:多呀,可以話係people mountain people sea呀。 E.g. 你:哇,人山人海呀!朋友:簡直係people mountain people sea啦!

nei ming ng ming gong mud ye?

Definition: (textspeak) A Kongish code-mixing phrase that is often used among local students in Hong Kong girl schools when they cannot understand what the teacher says in a lesson. Usage: E.g. *Teacher explains what to do for the lesson* Student A: Nei ming ng ming gong mud ye? Student B: Ng ming.Synonym: 你明唔明講乜野?Reference: https://www.hk01.com/開罐/124322/集體回憶-90後最有共鳴火星文-禾刀吾g-3-你有無份

champagne

Definition: A code-mixing term used by upper class Hong Kongers who have more than a regular habit of drinking champagnes. Usage: E.g. 今日係禮拜五晚,我地黎支champagne嗱?!Synonym: 香檳

Gong hei fat choi

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase that Hong Kong expats use to wish someone prosperous and good fortune during Chinese New Year. Sometimes , it may be mistakened as 'Happy new year' by non-Cantonese speaking expats, even though there is nothing really wrong with saying it to people excessively. (Variant: Kung hei fat choi) Usage: E.g. Happy Chinese New Year! Gong hei fat choi! Gong hei fat choi!Synonym: 恭喜發財Reference: https://www.zalora.com.hk/blog/lifestyle/kung-hei-fat-choi-meaning-how-to-respond-and-common-cantonese-new-year-blessings/

sure

Definition: Often pronounced in two syllables as 'shu-ah' and used with ‘唔‘ (not), this is a cool sounding code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers when they want to express absolute uncertainty over a subject matter in an informal setting. Usage: E.g. 佢係唔係好叻?我唔sure。(Is he really smart? I am not sure.) E.g. 今日會唔會落雨?我唔sure。(Will it rain today? I am not sure.) E.g. 佢阿媽係唔係女人?我唔sure。(Is his mom a woman? I am not sure.)Synonym: 肯定Reference: https://www.discuss.com.hk/viewthread.php?tid=30817621

war game

Definition: A code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students to refer to a simulated military battle game where air guns are used. It is more appropriate to use than the Cantonese equivalent ‘野戰‘ because fighting a wild battle has sexual connotations in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 男:不如一齊打war game好嗎? 女:好呀 (Boy: What about playing war game together? Girl: Sure!) E.g. 男:不如一齊打野戰好嗎?女:*啪!* (Boy: What about fighting a wild battle together? Girl: *Slap!*Synonym: 野戰Reference: https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/lin/cbrc/cbcl/doc/ppt/david_li.pdf

no show

Definition: A noun phrase-looking code-mixing verb that native Hong Kongers use to refer to someone who did not turn up at an event or occasion. Usage: E.g. 大日子遲到同no show無分別 (On an important occasion, there is no difference between being late and not showing up.)Synonym: 冇到, 缺席Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3844386/page/9
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