10 random words out of 744 results
Definition: A romanised code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers to refer to the red packets of cash given as gifts during Chinese New Year. Even though the first character of the phrase should be pronounced as 'lai' or 'lei' with a short vowel in Cantonese, it is often pronounced as 'laai' with a long vowel when in romanised form, leading to the expression sounding like 'laai see' (瀨屎), which means to poop in one's pants in Cantonese.
Usage: E.g. Expat: Have you got any lai see during Chinese New Year? HK'er: Laai see? Sure! I have laaaai see today. Just kidding.Synonym: 利是Reference: https://www.cantonese.sheik.co.uk/dictionary/words/2007/
Definition: A fancy way of saying 'so' or 'therefore' in Cantonese and to tone down the causal relationship between two items.
Usage: E.g. 係喇,你都冇同我講。That’s why我今次冇預到你份。
E.g. 你都冇比錢我。That's why我冇幫你買戲飛。
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase that native Hong Kongers use to describe someone being forgetful and careless, such as forgetting their keys or where they put their phone. (大頭蝦 - daai6 tau4 haa1)
Usage: E.g. A: You forgot to bring your wallet? Such a big head shrimp!Synonym: 大頭蝦Reference: https://zolimacitymag.com/pop-cantonese-大頭蝦-big-head-prawn-language-hong-kong/
Definition: Known as Kongish, this is a code-mixing phrase used by native Hong Kongers to describe someone who is useless and is a waste of money to raise him or her up. (食濕米 or 食塞米)
Usage: E.g. You cannot get anything done at all today? Do you eat wet rice? (你係咪食塞米?)Synonym: 食濕米, 食塞米Reference: https://shyyp.net/hant/phrase/%E9%A3%9F%E5%A1%9E%E7%B1%B3
Definition: A code-mixing term that is used when you really care not to offend someone.
Usage: E.g. Frankly speaking呢,我覺得你唔夠quali囉。
E.g. Frankly speaking呢,我對你既印象麻麻地囉。
E.g. Frankly speaking呢,我覺得你好扮野囉。
Definition: A code-mixing term used by westernised Hong Kongers who believe that making wishes should be done with eyes closed and not involve any '望', which has a literal meaning of gaze or look.
Usage: E.g. 新一年你有咩wish呀?快啲make a wish啦!(What is your wish for the new year? Make a wish quickly!)Synonym: 願望Reference: https://lihkg.com/thread/3584700/page/1
Definition: Often pronounced without the 'r' sounds and with a rising tone on the second syllable, this is an a lot more linguistically efficient way of referring to printer (打印機)in Cantonese.
Usage: E.g. 內地人:個打印機喺邊呀? 香港人:咩話?三個字咁累贅。叫返printer啦唔該。Synonym: 打印機Reference: http://www.patrickchu.net/uploads/9/0/5/3/9053324/2007_free_ppt.pdf