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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 822 results

first round

Definition: A code-mixing term that working class Hong Kongers use to refer to the initial stage in a process, such as an interview. At other times, it is also used for the describing the first in a set of social events, such as drinks and dinner. Usage: E.g. First round既interview會幾簡單。Second round先會問你深入D既問題。(The first round interview will be very simple. The second round will be more in-depth.) E.g. 我今晚唔join first round喇。Second round先再join你地。(I am not going to join first round tonight. But I will join the second round.)Synonym: 第一輪Reference: https://www.threads.com/@hkcareerstory/post/C97oprFSuDw

lang

Definition: A code-mixing term that overseas educated Hong Kongers use to refer to '靚', which describes something as beautiful or good-looking. Usage: E.g. No, but seriously it’s really lang, you are the one who said hou ce right?Reference: http://www.lingref.com/isb/4/039ISB4.PDF

Gong hei fat choi

Definition: A romanised code-mixing phrase that Hong Kong expats use to wish someone prosperous and good fortune during Chinese New Year. Sometimes , it may be mistaken as 'Happy new year' by non-Cantonese speaking expats, even though there is nothing really wrong with saying it to people excessively. (Variant: Kung hei fat choi) Usage: E.g. Happy Chinese New Year! Gong hei fat choi! Gong hei fat choi!Synonym: 恭喜發財Reference: https://www.zalora.com.hk/blog/lifestyle/kung-hei-fat-choi-meaning-how-to-respond-and-common-cantonese-new-year-blessings/

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!

sik farn

Definition: (textspeak) A Kongish code-mixing term transliterated from ‘食飯’, which means eat rice. Usage: E.g. Sik jor farn mei ar? (食左飯未呀?) E.g. Hor yee sik farn la. (可以食飯喇)Synonym: 食飯Reference: https://hklanguage.home.blog/2019/11/16/the-use-of-transliteration-in-kongish/

consistent

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to something happening or behaving the same way as before over time. Usage: E.g. 我:‘I need to stay consistent!’ 講英文人:Consistent 廣東話係乜嘢?(Me: I need to stay consistent! English speaker: What is consistent in Cantonese?)Synonym: keep住Reference: https://www.threads.com/@tracywongdc/post/DE-HfeUuJEx

eat dead cat

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone being a scapegoat or taking the blame for something that they did not do. Usage: E.g. I did not cheat in the exam and you made me eat dead cat??!Synonym: 食死貓Reference: https://www.localiiz.com/post/culture-local-stories-popular-cantonese-idioms
Definition: (idiom) Known as Kongish and derived from '五時花六時變‘, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone who is indecisive and prone to changing his or her plan all the time. Usage: E.g. 你唔係話過鍾意呢件衫咩?你真係five o'clock flower six o'clock change呀。(五時花六時變)Synonym: 五時花六時變Reference: https://youtu.be/_3hhDIErE2g?si=SLsZUTCKhV5cfm8x

auntie

Definition: A polite way of addressing a stranger, usually a much older person, when you meet them for the first time. Usage: E.g. 哈佬Auntie,你好呀! E.g. 仔仔,快D叫聲Auntie啦。Synonym: 阿姨; 姨姨Reference: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3048345/hong-kong-comes-alive-learning-cantonese-make-sure-you-know

go through

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to examining something in detail. Usage: E.g. 老闆:開會時記住同大家go through一下今個week既items。Reference: https://www.story001.com/post-196.html
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