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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 701 results

anyway

Definition: A term used by native Hong Kongers to divert one topic to another in a polite manner. Usage: E.g. 係呀,個proposal已經搞掂了。Anyway, 我兒家要去開meeting。 E.g. 份proposal仲未搞掂?Anyways, 我兒家要食lunch喇。Reference: https://holiday.presslogic.com/article/224449/港式-廣東話-中英夾雜-口語-香港人-搭lift-食lunch

gau m daap baat

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing phrase that local Hong Kongers use to refer to someone who is off-topic or providing irrelevant answers. Usage: E.g. Lei dou gau m daap baat! Can you answer my question?!Synonym: 九唔搭八Reference: https://hklanguage.home.blog/tag/kongish/

outstanding

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers like to use to describe something that is not yet done or paid. Usage: E.g. 依家仲有咩case係outstanding?Synonym: 未解決

seven

Definition: Pronounced as 'se-fun' with a rising tone on the second syllable, this is a shortened term used to refer to the 7-Eleven convenience store. Usage: E.g. 今日放工記得去seven買野呀。 E.g. 我要去seven交電話費。

dor jeh

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase that foreigners use to utter the phrase 'thank you' in Cantonese when they receive a red packet during Chinese New Year. Usage: E.g. Dor jeh! Gung hei fat choi!Synonym: 多謝Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/travel/basic-cantonese-phrases-every-traveller-to-hong-kong-needs-to-know

mm goi

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by real ABC Hong Kongers to say 'please', 'excuse me' or 'thank you', depending on the situation. (唔該) Usage: E.g. Mm goi. (To call the waiter at a restaurant) E.g. Mm goi jeh jeh (Excuse me, please let me through) E.g. Mm goi sai! (Thank you very much!) E.g. Set A lunch, mm goi. (Set A lunch, please) E.g. Mm goi, where is the MTR? (May I ask where is the MTR?)Synonym: 唔該Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/12-phrases-you-need-to-know-before-you-visit-hong-kong#:~:text=An%2520alternative%2520to%2520%E2%80%9Chou%2520ging,jeng%E2%80%9D%2520if%2520something%2520is%2520awesome.

Holland Ben 7

Definition: (textspeak) A Kongish code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers when one feels embarassed about something stupid that he has done but still wishes to admit it honestly. While the phrase is English-sounding with Holland being a western country and Ben being an English name, it is actually homophonous with '好撚笨柒' in Cantonese, which has the literal meaning of 'very f***ing stupid penis'. Usage: E.g. I forgot my wallet at home! I am Holland Ben 7!Synonym: 好撚笨柒, Holland Bank Cheque

timing

Definition: Often said with a rising intonation on the second syllable, this is a code-mixing term that Hong Konger badminton coaches like to use to refer to the exact point in time of something because the Cantonese equivalent ‘時機’ somehow sounds less accurate. Usage: E.g. 描準個ball,睇好個timing打落去,咁先得架嘛。(Aim at the ball, watch for the right timing and hit it. You got it?)Synonym: 時機

list

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/

notebook

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kong students use to refer to '手提電腦'. Usage: E.g. 老師,上堂可以比帶自己notebook嗎?Synonym: 手提電腦Reference: http://www.patrickchu.net/uploads/9/0/5/3/9053324/2007_free_ppt.pdf
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