Melissa Tan
One of the most influential aspects of my upbringing was my love for Hong Kong dramas, which not only entertained me but also immersed me in the rich Cantonese dialect and its colorful expressions. I was particularly fascinated by the proverbs that punctuated the dialogues. After spending a few years in Hong Kong, my appreciation for Cantonese culture deepened as I experienced firsthand the charm embedded in its sayings. In this blog, I’d like to share some of my favourite amusing expressions that showcase the creative spirit of Cantonese culture. To me, they are a treasure trove of wit, wisdom, and humor!
My favorite: Unexpected honesty
- 擔屎不偷食 (daam1 si2 bat1 tau1 sek3) – Carrying feces without secretly eating it
Meaning: To be completely honest and trustworthy.
This proverb is both hilarious and thought-provoking. It paints a rather unappetizing picture to make a point about integrity. The idea is that if someone can carry feces without being tempted to eat it (as if anyone would!), they must be extremely honest and trustworthy. It’s a humorous way of saying someone is so honest they wouldn’t even consider doing something unthinkable.
A quick response proverb
- 𦧲飯應 (loe 1 faan6 jing2) – To spit out the rice and respond.
Meaning: Someone responding quickly or readily accepting an attractive offer.
Isn’t it fascinating how vivid imagery—something so good that even if you’re eating, you would spit out your food just to say yes—is used in Cantonese to express eagerness or swift reactions?
Culinary caution
- 食碗面反碗底 (sik6 wun2 min6 faan2 wun2 dai2) – Eat from the top of the bowl, then flip to the bottom.
Meaning: To betray someone who has helped you.
This expression compares ingratitude to flipping over a bowl after eating from it—using and discarding someone without any thought for their kindness.
Animal antics in proverbs
Cantonese culture loves using animals to reflect human behavior! Here are a few examples:
- 老貓燒鬚 (lou5 maau1 siu1 sou1) – An old cat burns its whiskers.
Meaning: An expert makes a careless mistake.
It humorously illustrates that even the most experienced can make blunders. - 食死貓 (sik6 sei2 maau1) – To eat a dead cat
Meaning: To take the blame for something one has not done; to be made a scapegoat. This disturbing proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to take responsibility for something they didn’t do. The image of eating a dead cat is used to convey the unpleasantness of being blamed unfairly. - 豬乸會上樹 (zyu1 naa2 wui5 soeng5 syu6) – A sow can climb trees.
Meaning: When pigs fly.
This proverb is used to describe something that’s extremely unlikely to happen. - 烚熟狗頭 (sap6 suk6 gau2 tau4) – A boiled dog’s head.
Meaning: To laugh or smile with a big toothy grin (often in a derogatory or sarcastic way).
This unsettling image describes someone laughing or smiling widely, often inappropriately or mockingly.
· 死牛一邊頸 (sei2 ngau4 jat1 bin6 geng2) – A dead cow’s neck on one side.
Meaning: To be stubborn or inflexible.
This proverb likens a stubborn person to a dead cow’s stiff neck, emphasizing inflexibility and an unwillingness to change.
· 雞同鴨講 (gai1 tung4 aap3 gong2) – A chicken talking to a duck.
Meaning: Two people unable to communicate or understand each other.
This amusing expression highlights a situation where two people speak different languages, or metaphorically, are just not on the same wavelength.
There are many more such examples that demonstrate the Cantonese language’s rich cultural heritage and penchant for humour. I find exploring these proverbs endlessly entertaining, as they offer a unique glimpse into the Cantonese worldview, blending practical wisdom with a hearty dose of laughter. Next time you’re chatting with Cantonese-speaking friends, try dropping one of these sayings—you’re sure to get a chuckle, and maybe even impress them with your cultural savvy!
References:
- Gongjyuhok Cantonese Idioms 港語學廣東話俗語/歇後語大https://gongjyuhok.hk/learn/cantonese-idioms
- Varsity, Chinese University of Hong Kong https://varsity.com.cuhk.edu.hk/index.php/2016/12/cantonese-proverbs-idioms/2/
