7 Cantonese Slang Words We Can’t Live Without

Level up your Canto with these Gen Z approved slang words…

We may be biased, but we’d argue that Cantonese is in a league of its own. From niche disses and pearl-clutching insults to pun-filled praises, these essential phrases will have you sounding like a local in no time. Wish your Chinese vocab was more expansive than m goi and yau lok? Here are seven Gen Z-approved Cantonese slang words we can’t live without!

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MK

Usually written as ‘MK’, the origin of this insult comes from 旺角, AKA Hong Kong’s Mong Kok district! Netizens especially use this to describe someone or something as tacky, cheap or trying too hard to be trendy.

Usage: “Those knock-offs are so MK.”

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尷 (Kam)

This is a shorthand for 尷尬 (gaam3 gaa3), meaning awkward. Use it to call out anything that’s cringe, weird or just gives you the ick.

Usage: “Diu, his Bumble description is ho Kam.”

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0尊 (Ling4 Zyun1)

Combining the number zero (零) with 尊, short for尊重 (respect). It literally translates to “zero respect” and is used the same way — a perfect call-out for anyone disrupting your peace.

Usage: “Did you notice how he kept speaking over me? 0尊!”

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世一 (Sai3 Jat1)

Short for 世界第一 (world’s number one), this is reserved for the highest possible praise. If something is top-tier, game-changing or the best you’ve ever had, hit ’em with the sai jat.

Usage: “This dim sum is 世一…”

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少癲 / 大癲 (Siu2 Din1 / Daai6 Din1)

Literally translating to “a little crazy” and “very crazy,” these are your go-to reaction phrases for shocking or unbelievable news. Think of them as the Cantonese equivalent of “no f-ing way.”

Usage: “That plot twist was 大癲! Have you seen it yet?”

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仆街 (Pok Gai)

A classic and brutally honest Cantonese phrase that literally means “trip and fall on the street.” However, it’s most commonly used as an insult meaning “drop dead,” or to call someone an ass.

Usage: “That guy just cut in line! 仆街!”

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啱啊 (Ngaam Aa)

Although this literally means “that’s right” (and is regularly used as such), Gen Zers have given it a condescending twist. If you find someone annoying but can’t be bothered to argue, deadpanning “ngaam aa” superficially agrees while subtly showing disapproval.

Usage: “啱啊, that conspiracy theory totally makes sense.”

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