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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 701 results

sodiasm

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term used by local student Hong Kongers to refer to a female janitor or cleaner. Usage: E.g. My aunt is a sodiasm in Queen Elizabeth hospital.Synonym: 掃地阿嬸Reference: https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/things-to-do/cantonese-slang-you-need-to-know-right-now?utm_campaign=likeshopme&utm_medium=instagram&utm_source=dash+hudson&utm_content=www.instagra (use mobile version)

work from home

Definition: A code-mixing term that is often used by Hong Kongers instead of '在家工作'. Usage: E.g. 我今日真係爽呀,可以work from home。成日煲netflix都得啦!Synonym: 在家工作

list out

Definition: Often mistakened as grammatically incorrect and seen as redundant with ‘out’ conforming to ‘列出‘ in Cantonese, this is a code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to jotting down a number of items on a piece of paper or device. Usage: E.g. 你可以先list out所有項目,然後研究每一個點樣做。(You may first list out all the items, then study how each one can be done.)Synonym: 列出Reference: https://ludwig.guru/s/list+out

on call

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that is used by Hong Kongers to mean that they are ready to go to work whenever they get a call from their company. Usage: E.g. 我每星期工作五天。不過我假日都要on call。

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/

catch up

Definition: A code-mixing term used by Hong Kongers to refer to talking to someone in order to know what they have been doing. Usage: E.g. 我地幾時會再catch up吓?好耐冇見喇。Synonym: 趕上進度

chee sor

Definition: A romanised code-mixing term that real ABC’s like to use to refer to toilet. (廁所) Usage: E.g. Excuse me? Where is the chee sor?Synonym: 廁所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“hou%2520ging,jeng”%2520if%2520something%2520is%2520awesome.

three does not know seven

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who does not know anyone. Originated from a game similar to Rummikub where pulling cards should add up to nine, but not over. Otherwise, the player will lose the game. Usage: E.g. I have never been to this event before! Everyone was like 'three does not know seven'!Synonym: 三唔識七Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms

need son ng need mum

Definition: An idiom made popular by the toy product 'Need Son Ng Need Mum', this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to the Chinese family tradition of favouring sons over daughters in carrying on a bloodline. Usage: E.g. A: Do you think you come from a traditional family? B: Yes! Need son ng need mum!Synonym: 要仔唔要乸, 重男輕女Reference: https://www.threads.com/@apetoys/post/DNfCsgkP2qd/限量預訂嘩曱甴懷孕動物-要仔唔要乸-第六彈-小強系列need-son-ng-need-mum-small-strong-series全12款1隱藏款每盒都有男b

the show must go on

Definition: Became known by the TVB episode 'The Queen of News', this is a code-mixing phrase said by working class Hong Kongers to encourage people to continue doing what they have set out to do, even if it means taking risks and receiving consequences. Usage: E.g. 冇人敢報等我嚟吖!萬一touchwood報錯咪賴落我度咯,I have nothing to lose。我宗旨好簡單,the show must go on。(If no one dares to report this, then I'll do it! If the news turn out to be wrong, then blame it on me, touchwood. I have nothing to lose. My goal is very simple, the show must go on.)Synonym: 表演必須繼續Reference: https://hk.ulifestyle.com.hk/topic/detail/20021530/新聞女王-高海寧重現主播喊住報死訊新聞一幕-雙眼通紅淚珠滑落與現實如出一轍/1
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