Hong Kong Slang 香港俚語
Hong Kong is a city where Eastern and Western cultures blend seamlessly, and this fusion has given rise to a uniquely vibrant linguistic culture. Over the years, the mix of English, Cantonese, and Mandarin has evolved into a distinctive form of expression known as Hong Kong Slang. These phrases not only reflect the wit and humor of Hong Kong people but also capture the city’s social changes and cultural spirit.
Hong Kong Slang 香港俚語 often merges English and Cantonese, creating playful and original expressions. For example, the word “Hea” comes from the English word “here,” but in Hong Kong it means being lazy or doing nothing—like saying, “I’m so hea today,” meaning “I’m just chilling today.” Another famous example is “Add oil”, a direct translation of the Cantonese “加油,” which means to cheer someone on or encourage them. This phrase has become so iconic that it’s even recognized internationally.
Many Hong Kong Slang 香港俚語 terms are humorous or slightly sarcastic, showing the city’s fast-paced and straightforward attitude toward life. For instance, Blow water “吹水” (chui seoi) means chatting or talking nonsense, “收皮” (sau pei) means “shut up” and “黐線” (chi sin) means “crazy” or “nuts.” These phrases vividly capture the creativity and street-smart humor that define Hong Kong culture.
The beauty of Hong Kong Slang 香港俚語 lies in its flexibility and inventiveness. It’s more than just a way of speaking—it’s a cultural symbol that carries the collective identity and memories of Hong Kong people. By exploring these expressions, we gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s linguistic charm and the lively, humorous spirit of its people.
Blow Water (吹水)
Chat casually / gossip / a bit exaggerated
Chat casually / gossip / a bit exaggerated
粵語常用的俗語，既可以指毫無目的、無關緊要的閒聊，也帶有誇張或吹嘘的意思。
A common Cantonese slang term that refers to casual, meaningless chatting.
It can also carry the connotation of exaggerating or talking big without substance.
Example
我們下班後, 去了附近的咖啡店和我的好友吹水。
After work, we went to a nearby café and chatted “blow water” with my friends.
他總是吹水自己有多有錢。
He’s always bragging or exaggerating “blow water” about how rich he is.
Don’t know iron (識條鐵咩)
Don't know anything about it
Don't know anything about it
這是一句香港俗語，意思是「你懂什麼？」或「你懂個屁！」。 用來表示對別人不懂裝懂的鄙視。「咩」都是疑問語氣助詞，用來表示「什麼」的意思。
This is a Hong Kong slang phrase meaning “Don’t you know anything about it.” or “You don’t know sh*t!”. It’s used to show disdain toward someone who pretends to know something they don’t. The word “meh (咩)” is a Cantonese interrogative particle used to express “what” or to form a rhetorical question.
Example
講到藝術,我識條鐵咩?
Talking about art, I don’t know anything about it “I Don’t know iron”?
食飯你就識. 煮飯-你識條鐵咩?
You only know how to eat — when it comes to cooking, you know nothing about it “I Don’t know iron”.
Blow cow 吹牛
Brag / Boast / Exaggerate
Brag / Boast / Exaggerate
“吹牛”是一個常用的粵語俗語，字面意思是 “吹牛”，但實際上是指 吹噓、誇耀或誇大其詞。它用來形容某人自誇或炫耀自己的成就，通常帶有誇大的成分。
Blow cow is a common Cantonese slang term that literally means “blow cow”, but it actually means to brag, boast, or exaggerate.
It’s used when someone talks proudly about themselves or their achievements, often exaggerating the truth.
Example
每次 “吹水”，她總是喜歡“吹牛”說她的男朋友對她有多好，但其實她根本沒有男朋友。
Every time we chat “blow water”, she likes to exaggerate “Blow Cow” about how good her boyfriend is to her, but in reality, she doesn’t have a boyfriend.
他喜歡 “吹牛”自己是頂級時裝設計師，但實際上他 “識條鐵咩”。
He likes to exaggerate “Blow Cow” that he is a top fashion designer, but in reality, he doesn’t know anything about it “Don’t Know Iron”.
Allergorical (歇後語)
Chinese Allegorical 歇後語 (Cantonese), a two-part riddle-like saying. The first part throws out a curious story or question, and the second delivers a witty answer that’s often a pun. The unexpected twist and wordplay leave listeners tickled with surprise and laughter.
Something Effect
Effect Series comics, These graphic narratives explore concepts like the “catfish effect,” using relatable situations to impart real-life lessons. prompting readers to develop critical thinking skills as they connect the dots between cause and effect.
My Fate
Daily life itself is a comic strip waiting to be drawn. From funny situations we witness to relatable moments we experience ourselves, these snippets hold the power to bring a smile. Capturing them in a comic strip allows us to share the lightness and humor that can be found in even the most ordinary moments.
HOng Kong Slang 香港俚語
Hong Kong is a city where Eastern and Western cultures blend seamlessly, and this fusion has given rise to a uniquely vibrant linguistic culture. Over the years, the mix of English, Cantonese, and Mandarin has evolved into a distinctive form of expression known as Hong Kong Slang. These phrases not only reflect the wit and humor of Hong Kong people but also capture the city’s social changes and cultural spirit.