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Hong Kong Code-mixing Dictionary

A contemporary Cantonese-English dictionary


10 random words out of 701 results

Definition: A Kongish code-mixing phrase that refers to acting dumb and innocent in order to win someone, such as in a card game. Usage: E.g. I know you've got an ace up your sleeves! Stop pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger!Synonym: 扮豬食老虎Reference: https://ling-app.com/yue/cantonese-slang-words/

well-received

Definition: A code-mixing phrase used by grassroots Hong Kongers when they want to express gratitude for something they have received, such as an email with an attachment. However, the working class Hong Kongers realise that this is probably not such a suitable term for them to use so they say 'Noted/Received with thanks'. Usage: E.g. Well-received with thanks. Synonym: 收到Reference: https://graduate.ctgoodjobs.hk/article/35656/電郵技巧|商用電郵|職場英語-10個打工仔常犯的英文email錯誤-please-kindly-well-received-with-thanks-都係錯-內附正確寫法

need sheep have sheep

Definition: Translated from ‘要咩有咩’ with ‘咩’ (what) having a similar sound utterance of a sheep, this is a Kongish code-mixing phrase that is said during Chinese New Year to wish someone they can get whatever they need. Usage: E.g. Gong Hei fat choi! I wish you need sheep have sheep this year!Synonym: 要咩有咩Reference: https://hklanguage.home.blog/2019/11/12/kongish-a-new-language-of-hong-kongers/

no bullsh*t let's go

Definition: A code-mixing term used by upper class Hong Kongers to express how serious a matter is and is no joke at all. Usage: E.g. 鍾培生:Sign the f***ing contract. No bullsh*t let's go.Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDK59_Yhv6Y

slow ton ton eat wonton

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who does things very slowly. Usage: E.g. Get work done quickly! Stop slow ton ton eat wonton!Synonym: 慢吞吞食雲吞

stir-fried squid

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/

assignment

Definition: A code-mixing term that Hong Kong students use to refer to '功課'. Usage: E.g. 喂,聽日交assignment呀,仲係到做咩呀?! E.g. 呢份assignment可以借黎參考嗎?Reference: http://www.patrickchu.net/uploads/9/0/5/3/9053324/2007_free_ppt.pdf

dry

Definition: A code-mixing term that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone or something as dull and boring such as having no relationship, which definitely has nothing to do with 'dry dating' in native English. Usage: E.g. 我近排冇拖拍好dry呀。(I recently haven't been dating, so dry!) E.g. 唔好成日自己一個人咁dry啦。(Don't be always by yourself, so dry!)Synonym: 沒新鮮感,很無聊,枯燥乏味Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtwE7IA18CY&t=50s

sai

Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing term added to the end of verbs to express the meaning of completely or to a large extent. (晒 - saai3) Usage: E.g. Mm goi sai! (Thank you so much!) 唔該晒 E.g. Dor jeh sai! (Thank you very much!) 多謝晒 E.g. Jo sai! (Done everything!) 做晒 E.g. Sik sai! (Eaten everything!) 食晒 E.g. Mo sai! (No more left!) 冇晒Synonym: 晒Reference: http://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/characters/1592/

scout dan

Definition: Originated from the classic riddle '童子軍跳彈床' meaning scout trampoline, this is a code-mixing term that local Hong Kong students use to express the meaning of 'I don't f***ing care' in informal situations. Usage: E.g. A: What do you want to eat for lunch? B: Scout dan la.Synonym: 是鳩但Reference: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/童子軍跳彈床——是鳩但
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