Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

Definition: This is a code-mixing term that refers to a list of matters to be discussed at a meeting. (議程)

Usage: E.g. 我哋宜家一齊go through吓今日嘅agenda。

Synonym: 議程

Reference: https://hk.news.yahoo.com/開會常用英文-講完即刻pro咗-095043435.html

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to getting fired from a job. (炒魷魚 - caau2 jau4 jyu2)

Usage: E.g. I messed up at work today and I got stir-fried squid!!!

Synonym: 炒魷魚

Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-老細炒咗我魷-stir-fried-me-squid/

Definition: This is a code-mixing term that Hong Kongers like to use instead of '列出'.

Usage: E.g. List哂D item落張紙先，然後去超市買野就唔會唔記得。

Synonym: 列出

Reference: https://www.gotrip.hk/生活/中英夾雜-港式廣東話-gt12-772959/

Definition: Short for 'job description', this is a code-mixing term that Hong Kong HR departments like to use to refer to the piece of text that describes the job nature and responsibilities of a position in a company, which may be long or short depending on how much they want an applicant to know about the job.

Usage: E.g. 又話會send份JD比我睇？你send左去邊度？(I thought you were going to send me the JD to have a look? Where did you send it to?)

Synonym: 工作內容

Reference: https://english.cool/job-description/

Definition: Known as Kongish and transliterated from '屎忽‘ meaning buttocks, this is a code-mixing phrase used to describe someone who always doesn't do what he or she says will do, somewhat like a faggot or asshole in English.

Usage: E.g. This guy is such a seafood ghost! We always save him a seat at the restaurant but he never turns up!

Synonym: 屎忽鬼

Reference: https://evchk.fandom.com/zh/wiki/%E5%B1%8E%E5%BF%BD%E9%AC%BC

Definition: To reserve something, such as an appointment or place, without sounding like it's a date.

Usage: E.g. 請問你幫我book左個appointment未? E.g. 聽日book左枱未呀？（訂枱）

Synonym: 訂; 約

Reference: https://www.lib.eduhk.hk/pure-data/pub/201902353/201902353_1.pdf

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。

Definition: Often pronounced as ‘cummun’, this is a code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers when they want to express how common something is without making it sound unpopular or nothing special.

Usage: E.g. 做呢個行業好common架咋。(This occupation is so common!)

Synonym: 普遍, 普通

Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/C04Br91vuJT/ (use mobile version)

Definition: Derived from the Chinese internet slang '躺平', this is an Englishised code-mixing term used to describe a lifestyle of doing as little as possible, due to knowing that there is a 'rat race' going on where everyone is competing for jobs such that it is almost impossible to keep up with the societal pressure.

Usage: E.g. This exam is so difficult! I am lying flat! E.g. I am not lying flat! I must continue to find a better job!

Synonym: 躺平

Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-internet-and-texting-slang-to-use-right-now

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