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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 822 results

r

Definition: Often pronounced as ‘ah-lo’, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to the letter ‘r’. Even though some Hong Kongers are aware of the prestigious ‘r’ that is pronounced rhotically, most of them choose not to say it in social situations because it sounds too pretentious like a fake American born Chinese. Usage: E.g. 去日本旅行要搭JR。(Going on vacation in Japan needs taking the J Ah-lo.) E.g. 請問MTR喺邊到? (May I ask where is the M-tee-ah-lo?)Synonym: Ah-lo

foodie

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Gen Z native Hong Kongers that refers to a person who loves food and likes to try different kinds of food. However, it is often used as a term similar to the level of a gourmet even though the person may not be a food expert. Usage: E.g. 而家啲ig foodie以為自己真係食評家。(Nowadays the foodies on IG really think they are real gourmets.)Synonym: 美食愛好者Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/2093295/page/1

training

Definition: A code-mixing term that is more appropriate to use than the equivalent term (培訓)in Cantonese. Usage: E.g. 你新黎既話,公司係會有training比你。 E.g. A:我今晚要培訓呀。B:吓?你陪邊個呀?!(陪訓)Reference: https://www.gushiciku.cn/dl/0pydp/zh-hk

doot

Definition: A code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students to scold someone when they are prohibited from swearing in school. At other times, it is used as an onomatopoeia of the beeping sound of Octopus card readers in Hong Kong train service. Usage: E.g. Doot你咩?!搞污糟我件校服!(F*** you?! You ruined my school uniform!) E.g. 好多人撘地鐵呀。快啲攞張八達通出黎doot部機入閘啦。(So many people taking the train. Take out your Octopus card quickly to doot the machine and enter the gate.)Synonym: F***, d*u, 嘟Reference: https://cantowords.com/dictionary/v/114049/doot

eat bowl face turn bowl down

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to betraying someone after receiving some offer or advantage from them. (食碗面反碗底) Usage: E.g. I gave you so many benefits and you eat bowl face turn bowl down?!!Synonym: 食碗面反碗底Reference: https://www.scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/486w/public/images/methode/2016/01/21/c10168a8-bff3-11e5-9503-d84cbca18933_486x.jpg?itok=sF-XAnJn

standby

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers when they want to tell somebody to be ready to do something anytime without making them feel ordered to do the task. Usage: E.g. 聽日放工記住隨時standby,有可能有客搵你。(Remember to standby tomorrow after work, as there may be customers who need you.)Synonym: 待命;候命Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3476706/page/1

6 7

Definition: (textspeak) Originated from the numbers 6 and 7 sounding similar to '碌柒' meaning 'a stick of dick', this is a Kongish code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students to describe someone as very dumb and brainless, like a dickhead. Usage: E.g. 唔好成個6 7咁樣企喺到啦!(Don't be like a dickhead just standing there!)Synonym: 碌柒Reference: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DR_ewS2k4Yy/ (use mobile version)

exactly

Definition: A word used by Hong Kong people to express absolute affirmation, which is comparable to 'Bingo!' Usage: E.g. 係喇,係喇。Exactly! E.g. 岩喇!呢個就係我exactly想講既野。 E.g. 我唔係太get你exactly想講咩。

ying

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe something or someone that is cool, handsome, or stylish. (型 - ying4) Usage: E.g. Wa! You look so ying today! (型)Synonym: 型Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/8-colloquialisms-unique-to-cantonese

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
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