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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 917 results

Q-train

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to refer to the new generation of electric multiple unit trains in the Hong Kong MTR produced by CRRC Qingdao Sifang.

Usage: E.g. 成型友大嗌Q train萬歲,搞到我差D以為Q train有還不完的恩情。(My friends kept shouting "Long live Q train!" which almost made me think Q train had an endless debt of gratitude to repay.)

Synonym: 市區綫願景列車

Reference: https://www.threads.com/@mr_luck_kinda_sucks/post/DWc9xJUk5qx?xmt=AQF05j-tBGLeYI6vBDAQQ-VN1sIrTbCEBlqWN97wggHxlDpvP-bUA91RIuhOZeQCanqxrsU&slof=1

style

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a more general look or vibe of something rather than the artistic or literary manner of something, or the character of a person.

Usage: E.g. 呢家啲00後衣著style好似完美屌打90後. (Nowadays the Gen Z's dressing style seem to be winning over the 90's by far.)

Synonym: 風格

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3739511/page/4

rocket science

Definition: A code-mixing phrase that overseas educated Hong Kongers use to emphasize that something is not a complex problem.

Usage: E.g. 呢個問題唔係rocket science。再一齊諗諗佢就解決得到。

Reference: https://www.mi-learning.com/itsnotrocketscience-meaning/

standby

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers when they want to tell somebody to be ready to do something anytime without making them feel ordered to do the task.

Usage: E.g. 聽日放工記住隨時standby,有可能有客搵你。(Remember to standby tomorrow after work, as there may be customers who need you.)

Synonym: 待命;候命

Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3476706/page/1

long neck deer

Definition: Derived from literal translation, this is an Englishised code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to a giraffe in a cute way.

Usage: E.g. A giraffe is actually a "long neck deer" in Cantonese.

Synonym: 長頸鹿

Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUVzFQYEZ_R/?igsh=NjM5bzc1YXp5MWFi (use mobile version)

topic

Definition: A code-mixing term used by native Hong Kongers to refer to a subject matter that is less socially loaded, people-oriented or even gossipy.

Usage: E.g. 成日都講人是非,可唔可以轉topic?(The conversation is always gossiping about others. Can we change the topic?)

Synonym: 話題

Reference: https://spencerlam.hk/blog/2022/02/01/group-discussion技巧/

milestone

Definition: A code-mixing term used by working class Hong Kongers to refer to an important stage or event in the development of something. (里程碑)

Usage: E.g. 我地公司今年reach到個milestone!Let\'s celebrate!

Synonym: 里程碑

Reference: https://www.story001.com/post-196.html

dik hon

Definition: (textspeak) Derived from comic book characters having a large drop of sweat on their forehead or hair, this is a Kongish code-mixing term that refers to feeling speechless and reticent. Dik hon (滴汗) has the literal meaning of 'drip sweat'.

Usage: E.g. Your joke is so lame! Dik hon!

Synonym: 滴汗

insight

Definition: A code-mixing term used by overseas educated Hong Kongers when they want to ask for a deeper analytical understanding of something.

Usage: E.g. 你睇完本書有咩insight? (What insights do you have after reading the book?)

Synonym: 見解; 睇法

Reference: https://www.lib.eduhk.hk/pure-data/pub/202301935/202301935_1.pdf

boil telephone congee

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to refer to talking on the phone for hours. (煲電話粥)

Usage: E.g. Stop boiling telephone congee with your friend every day!

Synonym: 煲電話粥

Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/8-colloquialisms-unique-to-cantonese

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