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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 701 results

Sure

Definition: A code-mixing term that real ABC's like to use to show that they are always glad to do a favour for someone. Usage: E.g. Sure!No problem!拜托喺我身上啦。 E.g. Sure!我同你去Starbucks買杯咖啡啦。 E.g. Sure!我幫你比住錢先啦。

camel

Definition: Pronounced as 'cam-mell' and criticised as Fake ABC English, this is a code-mixing term used by celebrity Janice man to refer to the animal 'camel'. Usage: E.g. 其實我自己好鍾意cam-mell色既,真係好似D駱駝色既,有少少泥色既。Reference: https://medium.com/@girlslearnenglish/你說話會中英夾雜嗎-被-污名化-的中英夾雜-why-code-mixing-is-totally-fine-32eb1f280ca

nine not following eight

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that refers to giving irrelevant responses to questions. Usage: E.g. A:你去邊? B:我知道。A:Nine not following eight!Synonym: 九唔搭八Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-nine-not-following-eight/

I really appreciate it

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by overseas educated Hong Kongers who want to express their sincere gratitude towards someone without saying 'thank you' repetitively. Usage: E.g. 唔該哂你幫我手呀。I really appreciate it.Synonym: 我好感激你Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKwHZnk1ZNs

O mouth

Definition: Derived from 'O嘴', this is a Kongish code-mixing term that refers to feeling surprised and astonished to the point where your mouth literally opens in an O shape. Usage: E.g. I was O mouth to see the football match turned around! (今次場波反敗為勝,真睇到我O哂嘴。)Synonym: O嘴Reference: https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/features/article/3096419/learn-cantonese-slang-many-faces-hongkongers

PK

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kongers use to refer to the Cantonese swear word '仆街', which literally translates to 'trip on the street'. Usage: E.g. 聽日交唔到貨就PK喇! E.g. 玩我?! 你個PK!

snake king

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to slacking off at work. Usage: E.g. Don't be such a snake king all the time! Get some work done!Synonym: 蛇王

one ball seventy percent off

Definition: Derived from '一波三折', this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe an unexpected event with twists and turns. Literal meaning: A wave that is split into three segments. Usage: E.g. 呢排真係好黑仔呀。簡直係one ball seventy percent off呀。(一波三折)Synonym: 一波三折Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/58665/

gay dor cheen

Definition: A romanised Cantonese phrase that westernised Hong Kongers use to ask a shopkeeper how much something costs, which is extremely effective when bargaining for a lower price at wet markets. It can also be shortened to 'gay cheen' (幾錢). Usage: E.g. Gay dor cheen? (幾多錢?) E.g. Gay cheen? (幾錢?)Synonym: 幾多錢?Reference: https://homekong.com.hk/blogs/read/helpful-cantonese-phrases-to-know

imagine

Definition: A code-mixing term used by local Hong Kong students when they want to avoid sounding too unrealistic when giving an example to illustrate a point. Usage: E.g. Imagine 你嘅英文好差,但係入咗英文中學,考試嗰陣第一步係要將全部唔識嘅英文轉做中文睇 (Imagine your English were very poor, but you entered an English secondary school. Then you had to read all the English like you read Chinese during the exams.)Synonym: 幻想Reference: https://www.threads.com/@shc.sky_903/post/DTdra9mkzdQ?xmt=AQF0-Ws357d_MFFUTUJO5WSCyunIf9vLyvu-aYt8Xozsek2mL71adEzGvSmHr3CNFlNH3LGn&slof=1
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