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Words You Must Know When Visiting Hong Kong

They say Hong Kong is the City of the World.

Whoever first coined that word, tells the truth. And I may add that Hong Kong like any other neighboring country is the most interesting place I’ve been.

It’s like every day there is something new, something exciting and totally not boring.

I remember my first visit to Hong Kong circa 2003, and I’m telling you I was one of the happiest ladies, and a kid at heart. Hahaha silly me but true.

Well even now (which I can’t remember how much I fly back and forth in Hong Kong) I’m still that lady who has that wide smile on her face each time I step in Hong Kong.

So whenever I travel, I always ensure that I learn something to at least make myself feel at home. One of my favorite things to learn in Hong Kong’s urban language is the Hongkabulary. I shared my initial Hongkabulary post here, and I have read lots of good responses from my readers. So why not share another part!

Check out the Part 2 of our Hongkabulary!

Language Lun-ing

Learning Cantonese swear words from minibus drivers and market workers.

"Ai ya, the government right now is so '7-head'..."
"Ah, you've been language lun-ing, I see."

Yeah, sometimes I heard and learned lots of odd words from local drivers or some people working in the market. They are very creative in creating their own terms, and if you aren’t open to it you might feel a bit awkward. Hahaha happens to me all the time.

Red Peril

The terror of flagging down a red minibus because their drivers are drag racing maniacs and you don't know how to get off.

"Look, do you want to get from Mong Kok to Tai Po in 15 minutes or not!"
"I'm just going to take the MTR. I can't handle the Red Peril today."

I don’t know about you, but the streets are not a car-racing field. I hate arrogant drivers. I find these drivers don’t care about their life.

Busy night Lady’s Market in Hong Kong where you can buy amazing cheap stuff!

Gweilingo

Being inordinately impressed by a Westerner speaking passable Cantonese.

"Waaahhh! His Cantonese is so good!"
"He only ordered a plate of fried rice. This is classic Gweilingo."

Yeah, I think Gweilingo happens in all parts of the world. Whenever there is a guest in town and we hear that he can speak the local language (well at least he can say “Thank you” “You’re welcome” or “Please”) makes us amazed, and I personally appreciate that. It means the guest is trying to get acquainted with the place and the people, which is beautiful!

LegComedown

The elation of electing new voices to Legco, which soon subsides into the reality that not much will change.

"Don't talk to me. I'm on a really bad LegComedown right now."

Free film showing at Nursery Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong

Umbrella Condom

The transparent plastic umbrella covers malls give out, which clog up the city because you throw them away immediately.

"Tonight's your lucky night. Hope you have an umbrella condom."
"I was just gonna drip all over the floor."

Okay, this might be disgusting, but the description is based on the observation of the way we treat a condom. Some of the malls in Hong Kong offer free transparent umbrellas to valued customers. These umbrellas are relatively cheap, hence it is okay to just throw them away after using them. You may get it for less than a dollar anywhere. Actually, condoms are a bit more expensive than umbrellas, LOL

Poke-man Go

Getting jabbed in the eye by an umbrella because no one is looking where they're going in a downpour.

"Why are you bleeding from the eyeball?"
"It's been raining: Lots of Poke-man Go players out there at the moment."

When Pokemon Go went live 2-months ago here in Manila, people were going crazy! They actively went outside and tagged their friends to catch these little monsters. Unfortunately, as of this writing, the Pokemon craze in Manila has slowed down fast.

LOL.

Glad I didn’t download it. I already find it not fulfilling… just a fucking waste of time. But I appreciate the craze – people suddenly got curious and that is a good thing in the marketing and social media business.

One rainy night in Hong Kong.

Moonfake

The curious concoctions and recipes were squeezed into Mid-Autumn packaging and sold as mooncakes.

"Now available: matcha mochi mooncakes with durian custard!"
"Whadda moonfake."

Some traditional people may call it fakes because of the new flavors that emerged. But trust me, Moonfake sometimes isn’t bad.

Morning Swim

Getting drenched on your morning commute, because of sweat or rain. Or both.

"Want to go to South Bay this weekend?"
"No thanks. I've been having my morning swim every day for the last three months."

When you live in the city and enjoying that 35-degree Celsius kind of heat, then most definitely you’ll experience being in a morning swim, especially if you are a person who sweats easily. My advice – always bring an extra shirt with you!

Morning swim is the worst case of drench dye.

The Cat Street Market is one of Hong Kong’s oldest areas. Here you’ll find antique furniture and local handicrafts.

Typhoon Late

When a Typhoon 8 signal is raised just slightly too late in the day for you to get off work early.

"They made it number 8 at 5.59pm. It's a typical typhoon late."

Yeah always, and always happens and it’s kind of annoying. Sometimes I don’t understand why they announce it very late, and the people are already at work and students at school.