The Firefly and Serenity Database
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{| align="right"
'''Basic Rim World Speech'''
 
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| __TOC__
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|}
  +
==Rim world speech==
   
-- Truncate the "g" for "ing" words ("schoolin'")
+
* Truncate the "g" for "ing" words ("schoolin'")
   
-- Pepper with slang adjectives.
+
* Pepper with slang adjectives.
   
-- Double negatives. ("It don't mean nothin' out here.")
+
* Double negatives. ("It don't mean nothin' out here.")
   
-- Using odd words and word forms in phrases.
+
* Using odd words and word forms in phrases.
   
-- Use "don't" instead of "doesn't."
+
* Use "don't" instead of "doesn't."
   
-- Ain't.
+
* Ain't.
   
-- Odd Words: druther, yonder, dang, plumb, right smart.
+
* Odd Words: druther, yonder, dang, plumb, right smart.
   
-- Prefixing on "-ing" ("a-runnin'").
+
* Prefixing on "-ing" ("a-runnin'").
   
-- No ''-ly'' on adverbs. ("She described the plan real simple. That job's awful hard to do.")
+
* No ''-ly'' on adverbs. ("She described the plan real simple. That job's awful hard to do.")
   
-- Subject and verb don't match. ("We was goin' there. He got none of that.")
+
* Subject and verb don't match. ("We was goin' there. He got none of that.")
   
-- Malformed verbs. ("He growed up real good. He come by here last night. I seen it with my own eyes. He done run off again.")
+
* Malformed verbs. ("He growed up real good. He come by here last night. I seen it with my own eyes. He done run off again.")
''A few examples...''
 
   
  +
====A few examples...====
-- "Looks like we got us some imminent violence."
 
  +
* "Looks like we got us some imminent violence."
   
-- "We got no short of ugly ridin' in on us."
+
* "We got no short of ugly ridin' in on us."
   
-- "I'm just feeling kind of truthsome right now."
+
* "I'm just feeling kind of truthsome right now."
   
-- "We're in some peril here."
+
* "We're in some peril here."
   
-- "We just need a small crew, them as feel the need to be free."
+
* "We just need a small crew, them as feel the need to be free."
   
-- "This here's a recipe for unpleasantness."
+
* "This here's a recipe for unpleasantness."
   
-- "I'm shocked my own self."
+
* "I'm shocked my own self."
   
-- "We'll be there directly."
+
* "We'll be there directly."
   
-- "But she does have an oddness to her."
+
* "But she does have an oddness to her."
   
  +
==Slang==
'''Slang: Frontier Life'''
 
   
  +
===Frontier life===
'''All-fired:''' Completely. ("Where'd she go gettin' all-fired jealous 'bout this?")
 
  +
; All-fired
  +
: Completely. ("Where'd she go gettin' all-fired jealous 'bout this?")
   
'''Awful, Dreadful, Mighty, Plumb, Powerful:''' Adjectives for emphasis. ("Gettin' awful crowded in my sky.")
+
; Awful, Dreadful, Mighty, Plumb, Powerful
  +
: Adjectives for emphasis. ("Gettin' awful crowded in my sky.")
   
  +
; Bang-up
'''Bang-up:''' Great. ("They did a bang-up job.")
 
  +
: Great. ("They did a bang-up job.")
   
'''Bughouse:''' Mental hospital.
+
; Bughouse
  +
: Mental hospital.
   
  +
; Git
'''Git:''' Go away.
 
  +
: Go away.
   
  +
; Ornery
'''Ornery:''' Stubborn, not passive.
 
  +
: Stubborn, not passive.
   
  +
; Peck
'''Peck:''' A large amount.
 
  +
: A large amount.
   
'''Preacher:''' Anyone religious.
+
; Preacher
  +
: Anyone religious.
   
'''Run afoul:''' To get into trouble with.
+
; Run afoul
  +
: To get into trouble with.
   
  +
; Shindig
'''Shindig:''' A party, usually with dancing.
 
  +
: A party, usually with dancing.
   
  +
; Shiny
'''Shiny:''' Good or valuable.
 
  +
: Good or valuable.
   
  +
; Size someone up
'''Size someone up:''' Judge how tough they are or what their intentions might be.
 
  +
: Judge how tough they are or what their intentions might be.
   
  +
; Tetchy
'''Tetchy:''' Sensitive or complaining.
 
  +
: Sensitive or complaining.
   
'''Slang: Spacefaring'''
+
===Spacefaring===
  +
; Atmo
  +
: Atmosphere, as in to "leave atmo."
   
  +
; The black
'''Atmo:''' Atmosphere, as in to "leave atmo."
 
  +
: Space.
   
  +
; Clean your housing
'''The black:''' Space.
 
  +
: To give a thorough beating (as in a spaceship's engine housing).
   
  +
; Feds, Federals
'''Clean your housing:''' To give a thorough beating (as in a spaceship's engine housing).
 
  +
: Members of the Alliance, its military, law enforcement, or functionaries.
   
  +
; Go to blackout
'''Feds, Federals:''' Members of the Alliance, its military, law enforcement, or functionaries.
 
  +
: Shut down power on the ship to avoid detection.
   
  +
; On the drift
'''Go to blackout:''' Shut down power on the ship to avoid detection.
 
  +
: In space without fuel unable to travel.
   
  +
; Reavers
'''On the drift:''' In space without fuel unable to travel.
 
  +
: Madmen who live on the edges of civilized space, flying dangerous ships and preying on other space vessels.
   
  +
; The Rim
'''Reavers:''' Madmen who live on the edges of civilized space, flying dangerous ships and preying on other space vessels.
 
  +
: Frontier planets, not the core.
   
  +
; The 'Verse
'''The Rim:''' Frontier planets, not the core.
 
  +
: Inhabited space or the universe.
   
  +
; Being buzzed
'''The 'Verse:''' Inhabited space or the universe.
 
  +
: Sensors from another ship are actively sweeping you.
   
  +
===Underworld===
'''Being buzzed:''' Sensors from another ship are actively sweeping you.
 
  +
; Doxy
  +
: Prostitute.
   
  +
; Drops
'''Slang: Underworld'''
 
  +
: Illegal, addictive, narcotic drugs.
   
  +
; Second story job
'''Doxy:''' Prostitute.
 
  +
: Breaking and entering robbery.
   
  +
; Scratch
'''Drops:''' Illegal, addictive, narcotic drugs.
 
  +
: Valuables.
   
  +
; The goods
'''Second story job:''' Breaking and entering robbery.
 
  +
: Loot.
   
  +
; Went south
'''Scratch:''' Valuables.
 
  +
: Problems appeared, the plan fell apart.
   
  +
; Tonic
'''The goods:''' Loot.
 
  +
: Amateur or illegal alcoholic drink.
   
  +
; Bushwhack
'''Went south:''' Problems appeared, the plan fell apart.
 
  +
: Ambush.
   
  +
; Footpad
'''Tonic:''' Amateur or illegal alcoholic drink.
 
  +
: Pickpocket thief in a town.
   
  +
; Hornswoggle
'''Bushwhack:''' Ambush.
 
  +
: To trick someone.
   
  +
; On the dodge
'''Footpad:''' Pickpocket thief in a town.
 
  +
: Wanted by the police.
   
  +
===Technical===
'''Hornswoggle:''' To trick someone.
 
  +
; Advocate
  +
: A lawyer.
   
  +
; Cortex
'''On the dodge:''' Wanted by the police.
 
  +
: Widespread information network.
   
  +
; Genseed
'''Slang: Technical'''
 
  +
: Genetically engineered crop seeds used on freshly terraformed worlds.
   
  +
; Skyplex
'''Advocate:''' A lawyer.
 
  +
: Orbital city or space station.
   
  +
; Wave
'''Cortex:''' Widespread information network.
 
  +
: A communication: text, audio, video, or holographic.
 
'''Genseed:''' Genetically engineered crop seeds used on freshly terraformed worlds.
 
 
'''Skyplex:''' Orbital city or space station.
 
 
'''Wave:''' A communication: text, audio, video, or holographic.
 
 
'''Chinese Phrases'''
 
   
  +
==Chinese phrases==
 
The Chinese that became one of the two primary tongues of the 'Verse was originally known as Mandarin - China's official language. Mandarin, or Pekingese, is a dialect once spoken in that country's northern part, primarily around the Beijing city. The other major Chinese dialect was Cantonese, spoken down south in the Canton Province. Way back in the Earth-That-Was days, the Chinese foul actually went through a brouhaha as to which of the two tongues to make official. Though no blood was shed far as we know, it was a verbal civil war. North vs. South fought with volleys of dead-waking hollers over the virtues of their respective cant.
 
The Chinese that became one of the two primary tongues of the 'Verse was originally known as Mandarin - China's official language. Mandarin, or Pekingese, is a dialect once spoken in that country's northern part, primarily around the Beijing city. The other major Chinese dialect was Cantonese, spoken down south in the Canton Province. Way back in the Earth-That-Was days, the Chinese foul actually went through a brouhaha as to which of the two tongues to make official. Though no blood was shed far as we know, it was a verbal civil war. North vs. South fought with volleys of dead-waking hollers over the virtues of their respective cant.
   
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We said traditional, because in the 26th century we go by New Chinese. Like English where new words constantly replace the old and nobody utters the Earth-That-Was slang, Chinese got a makeover too. The progression of humans into a bilingual community evolved the original language into a strip-downed version. The main languages, Chinese and English, each have certain subjects and ideas it can express more efficiently. Over time, folks figured out what they are and started replacing different parts of speech with whichever language that related their thoughts the best. A doctor in the 26th century wouldn't hope to explain chi flow in English, for instance, any more than a control station would give docking instructions in Chinese.
 
We said traditional, because in the 26th century we go by New Chinese. Like English where new words constantly replace the old and nobody utters the Earth-That-Was slang, Chinese got a makeover too. The progression of humans into a bilingual community evolved the original language into a strip-downed version. The main languages, Chinese and English, each have certain subjects and ideas it can express more efficiently. Over time, folks figured out what they are and started replacing different parts of speech with whichever language that related their thoughts the best. A doctor in the 26th century wouldn't hope to explain chi flow in English, for instance, any more than a control station would give docking instructions in Chinese.
   
Words and phrases became further streamlined - curmudgeon sticklers would say "corrupted." But only those reared in true Old Chinese-speaking households would complain, and the accessibility made it much easier for lower-class folk of English-speaking heritage.
+
Words and phrases became further streamlined—curmudgeon sticklers would say "corrupted." But only those reared in true Old Chinese-speaking households would complain, and the accessibility made it much easier for lower-class folk of English-speaking heritage.
   
'''''Jung J'wohn Guo Hua''''' '''Like a True Spacer'''
+
;''Jung J'wohn Guo Hua''
  +
:Like a True Spacer
   
 
The above would read 'Speaking Chinese Like a True Spacer' in English. In humanity's new home, a collective of humans is all able to swear in a 5,000+ year old language - with a cowboy twang.
 
The above would read 'Speaking Chinese Like a True Spacer' in English. In humanity's new home, a collective of humans is all able to swear in a 5,000+ year old language - with a cowboy twang.
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The following phrases can be tossed into whatever situation seems most appropriate - or not. These just scratch the surface of Chinese cursing possibilities. While even educated, refined folk swear every now and then, you're more likely to hear most of these phrases out of a free-boosting fringe rat. Phrases are listed by the first letter of the phrase, and collected here thanks to Laura (Zoe's player!) and the Serenity RPG.
 
The following phrases can be tossed into whatever situation seems most appropriate - or not. These just scratch the surface of Chinese cursing possibilities. While even educated, refined folk swear every now and then, you're more likely to hear most of these phrases out of a free-boosting fringe rat. Phrases are listed by the first letter of the phrase, and collected here thanks to Laura (Zoe's player!) and the Serenity RPG.
   
  +
===A===
~'''''A'''''~
 
  +
; A big pile of shit
 
A big pile of shit: ''Yi Da Tuo Da Bian.''
+
: ''Yi Da Tuo Da Bian.''
 
A switch to those girls' backsides is just good enough: ''Byen Dah Tah Muhn Dug Bay Jo Go Lai.''
 
 
Abracadabra-alakazam: ''Tian-Ling-Ling, Di-Ling-Ling.''
 
 
Accusing someone of lying, a ridiculous notion, or talking out of one's ass: ''Fuhn Pi'', literally "farting."
 
 
Agitate someone out of hiding: ''Da Chow Jing Ser'', literally "beating the grass to startle the snake."
 
 
Alas, not good, what a mess, too bad: ''Jao Gao'', literally "spoiled cake."
 
 
All that's proper: ''Suoyou De Dou Shidang.'' (Pronunciation: Suo-yo duh doh shr-dang)
 
 
Alliance: ''Nien Mohn.''
 
 
Are we clear here?: ''Dohn luh mah.''
 
 
Asshole: ''Fang Pi.''
 
 
Ass, bottom, posterior: ''Pi Gu.'' (Pronunciation: Pee-goo)
 
 
Attributing an unfortunate longshot occurrence: ''Yeh Lu Jwo Duo Luh Jwohn Whei Jian Guay'', literally "do enough nighttime travels and one will eventually see a ghost"; also a warning of future retribution.
 
 
Awesome or extraordinarily clever: ''Gao Guhn'', literally "high pole."
 
 
~'''''B'''''~
 
 
Baboon's ass crack: ''Feh Feh Pi Goh.''
 
 
Bastard, jerk: ''Huen Dahn'', literally "rotten egg." (Pronunciation: Hwoon Dahn)
 
 
Big boss or operator of a business: ''Lao Buhn''; ''Lao Buhn Ni'un'' for female boss or proprietor's wife. Also informal appellation for acquaintances.
 
 
Big brother: ''Ghuh'' or ''Ghuh-Ghuh'', the former is more intimate and connotes blood relation.
 
 
Big change: ''Da Bianhua.''
 
 
Big sister: ''Jei'' or ''Jei-Jei.''
 
 
Big stupid pile of stinking meat: ''Yi Dwei Da Buen Chuo Roh.''
 
 
Blessings on you, dear sister: ''Zhufu Ni'', ''Mei-Mei''. (Pronunciation: Tzoo-foo nee, mei-mei.)
 
   
  +
; A switch to those girls' backsides is just good enough
Blindside or conspire against someone secretly: ''Fuhn Leong Jian'', literally "shoot a cold arrow."
 
  +
: ''Byen Dah Tah Muhn Dug Bay Jo Go Lai.''
   
  +
; Abracadabra-alakazam
Bottoms up: ''Gon Beh'', literally "dry cup."
 
  +
: ''Tian-Ling-Ling, Di-Ling-Ling.''
   
  +
; Accusing someone of lying, a ridiculous notion, or talking out of one's ass
Brilliant: ''Jing Chai.''
 
  +
: ''Fuhn Pi'', literally "farting."
   
  +
; Agitate someone out of hiding
Browncoat: (slang for soldiers of Independent) ''Jone Yee.''
 
  +
: ''Da Chow Jing Ser'', literally "beating the grass to startle the snake."
   
  +
; Alas, not good, what a mess, too bad
~'''''C'''''~
 
  +
: ''Jao Gao'', literally "spoiled cake."
   
  +
; All that's proper
Cheap floozy: ''Jien Huo.''
 
  +
: ''Suoyou De Dou Shidang.'' (Pronunciation: Suo-yo duh doh shr-dang)
   
  +
; Alliance
Check at once: ''Ma Shong Jien Cha.''
 
  +
: ''Nien Mohn.''
   
  +
; Are we clear here?
Cheering or urging someone on: ''Jah Yoh,'' literally "add fuel," equivalent of "go (name)!" in English.
 
  +
: ''Dohn luh mah.''
   
  +
; Asshole
Choose the wrong method to handle a situation: ''Bao Xin Jiu Huo'', literally "bring wood to put out a fire."
 
  +
: ''Fang Pi.''
   
  +
; Ass, bottom, posterior
Come in: ''Ching Jin.''
 
  +
: ''Pi Gu.'' (Pronunciation: Pee-goo)
   
  +
; Attributing an unfortunate longshot occurrence
Commit blunder of great magnitude: ''Bie Woo Lohng.''
 
  +
: ''Yeh Lu Jwo Duo Luh Jwohn Whei Jian Guay'', literally "do enough nighttime travels and one will eventually see a ghost"; also a warning of future retribution.
   
  +
; Awesome or extraordinarily clever
Complete disarray or sheer pandemonium: ''Tian Fuhn Di Fu'', literally "sky tumbles while earth turns over."
 
  +
: ''Gao Guhn'', literally "high pole."
   
  +
===B===
Completely useless: ''Tian Di Wu Yohn.''
 
  +
; Baboon's ass crack
  +
: ''Feh Feh Pi Goh.''
   
  +
; Bastard, jerk
Congratulations: ''Gohn Shi.''
 
  +
: ''Huen Dahn'', literally "rotten egg." (Pronunciation: Hwoon Dahn)
   
  +
; Big boss or operator of a business
Conniving or scheming person: ''Guay Toh Guay Nown'', literally "ghost head and ghost brain."
 
  +
: ''Lao Buhn''; ''Lao Buhn Ni'un'' for female boss or proprietor's wife. Also informal appellation for acquaintances.
   
  +
; Big brother
Cool: ''Ku.''
 
  +
: ''Ghuh'' or ''Ghuh-Ghuh'', the former is more intimate and connotes blood relation.
   
  +
; Big change
Oh, crap: ''Tzao Gao.''
 
  +
: ''Da Bianhua.''
   
  +
; Big sister
Crap, shit: ''Go se.''
 
  +
: ''Jei'' or ''Jei-Jei.''
   
  +
; Big stupid pile of stinking meat
Crazy: ''Feng Le'' (Pronunciation: Fong luh)
 
  +
: ''Yi Dwei Da Buen Chuo Roh.''
   
  +
; Blessings on you, dear sister
Crazy dog in love with its own feces: ''Ai Chr Jze Se Duh Fohn Diang Gho.''
 
  +
: ''Zhufu Ni'', ''Mei-Mei''. (Pronunciation: Tzoo-foo nee, mei-mei.)
   
  +
; Blindside or conspire against someone secretly
Cursing: ''Ma Jung Hwa'', literally "chastise with dirty words."
 
  +
: ''Fuhn Leong Jian'', literally "shoot a cold arrow."
   
  +
; Bottoms up
Cute: ''Kuh Ai.''
 
  +
: ''Gon Beh'', literally "dry cup."
   
  +
; Brilliant
~'''''D'''''~
 
  +
: ''Jing Chai.''
   
  +
; Browncoat: (slang for soldiers of Independent) ''Jone Yee.''
Damn or damn it: ''Ta Ma Duh'' (literally "his mother's..."), ''Gai Si, Ai Ya.''
 
   
  +
===C===
Dangerous person or animal: ''Wei Shian Dohn Woo.''
 
  +
; Cheap floozy
  +
: ''Jien Huo.''
   
  +
; Check at once
Dangly piece of flesh: ''Zhan Dou De Yi Kuai Rou.'' (Pronunciation: Jan-doh duh ee-kwai-ro)
 
  +
: ''Ma Shong Jien Cha.''
   
  +
; Cheering or urging someone on
Daydream or wishful thinking: ''Bai Lih Mohn.''
 
  +
: ''Jah Yoh,'' literally "add fuel," equivalent of "go (name)!" in English.
   
  +
; Choose the wrong method to handle a situation
Dear god in heaven: ''Wo De Tian A.'' (Pronunciation: Wuh de tyen ah).
 
  +
: ''Bao Xin Jiu Huo'', literally "bring wood to put out a fire."
   
  +
; Come in
Demon woman: ''Yao Nu.''
 
  +
: ''Ching Jin.''
   
  +
; Commit blunder of great magnitude
Deserving of bad consequence or fate: ''Hwo Gai.''
 
  +
: ''Bie Woo Lohng.''
   
  +
; Complete disarray or sheer pandemonium
Despicable: ''Kuh Wu.''
 
  +
: ''Tian Fuhn Di Fu'', literally "sky tumbles while earth turns over."
   
  +
; Completely useless
Dirty bastard sons-of--: ''Wang Ba Dan.'' (Pronunciation: Wang bao dahn).
 
  +
: ''Tian Di Wu Yohn.''
   
  +
; Congratulations
Do something for nothing in return, or wasted endeavour without a payoff: ''Yee Yan'', literally "a charity show."
 
  +
: ''Gohn Shi.''
   
  +
; Conniving or scheming person
Dog-fucking: ''Gou cao de.'' (Pronunciation: Go tsao de)
 
  +
: ''Guay Toh Guay Nown'', literally "ghost head and ghost brain."
   
  +
; Cool
Done for or imminent doom: ''Wong Dahn'', literally "finished (cooked) egg."
 
  +
: ''Ku.''
   
  +
; Oh, crap
Don't worry: ''Fang Xin.'' (Pronunciation: Fahng-sheen)
 
  +
: ''Tzao Gao.''
   
  +
; Crap, shit
Down payment: ''Shi Yan.''
 
  +
: ''Go se.''
   
  +
; Crazy
Dumbass: ''Chwen'', descriptive, literally "retarded."
 
  +
: ''Feng Le'' (Pronunciation: Fong luh)
   
  +
; Crazy dog in love with its own feces
~'''''E'''''~
 
  +
: ''Ai Chr Jze Se Duh Fohn Diang Gho.''
   
  +
; Cursing
Earthshaking: ''Jing Tian Dwohn Di'', literally "startle the sky and shake the earth."
 
  +
: ''Ma Jung Hwa'', literally "chastise with dirty words."
   
  +
; Cute
Engage in a feces-hurling contest with a monkey: ''G'en Ho Tze Bi Dio Se'' (Pronunciation: Gun hoe-tze bee dio-se)
 
  +
: ''Kuh Ai.''
   
  +
===D===
Enough of this nonsense: ''Go Hwong Tong.''
 
  +
; Damn or damn it
  +
: ''Ta Ma Duh'' (literally "his mother's..."), ''Gai Si, Ai Ya.''
   
  +
; Dangerous person or animal
Everybody, shut the hell up: ''Ni Men Dou Bi Zui.''
 
  +
: ''Wei Shian Dohn Woo.''
   
  +
; Dangly piece of flesh
Everyone in the 'Verse: ''Tian Xia Suo You De Ren.''
 
  +
: ''Zhan Dou De Yi Kuai Rou.'' (Pronunciation: Jan-doh duh ee-kwai-ro)
   
  +
; Daydream or wishful thinking
Everything under the sky: ''Tian Shia'', can be used to allude to the world or universe.
 
  +
: ''Bai Lih Mohn.''
   
  +
; Dear god in heaven
Excrement: ''Mi Tian Gohn'', slang, derives from the fact that when you stack the three characters - "mi" (rice), "tian" (paddy), and "gohn" (public or mutual) - from top to bottom in that order, they form the ideograph for excrement.
 
  +
: ''Wo De Tian A.'' (Pronunciation: Wuh de tyen ah).
   
  +
; Demon woman
Explosive diahrrea of an elephant: ''Da Shiong La Se La Ch'Wohn Tian.''
 
  +
: ''Yao Nu.''
   
  +
; Deserving of bad consequence or fate
Extraordinarily impatient Buddha: ''Zhen Mei Nai Xin De Fo Zu.'' (Pronunciation: Jen mei nai-shing duh fwo-tzoo)
 
  +
: ''Hwo Gai.''
   
  +
; Despicable
~'''''F'''''~
 
  +
: ''Kuh Wu.''
   
  +
; Dirty bastard sons-of--
Fear nothing but (fill in the blank): ''Tian Bu Pa, Di Bu Pa, Tze Pa...''
 
  +
: ''Wang Ba Dan.'' (Pronunciation: Wang bao dahn).
   
  +
; Do something for nothing in return, or wasted endeavour without a payoff
Fellow: ''Ja Hwo'', also slang for weapon.
 
  +
: ''Yee Yan'', literally "a charity show."
   
  +
; Dog-fucking
Female companion or girlfriend: ''Ma Tze'', a somewhat derogatory slang; add ''Dow'' in front for "looking to get a girlfriend."
 
  +
: ''Gou cao de.'' (Pronunciation: Go tsao de)
   
  +
; Done for or imminent doom
Filthy fornicators of livestock: ''Ung Jeong Jia Ching Jien Soh.''
 
  +
: ''Wong Dahn'', literally "finished (cooked) egg."
   
  +
; Don't worry
Fire!: ''Kai Huo'' (as in shooting), ''Fuhn Huo'' (as in starting).
 
  +
: ''Fang Xin.'' (Pronunciation: Fahng-sheen)
   
  +
; Down payment
Fire at will or terminate with extreme prejudice: ''Dai Kai Sa Jeh'', meaning "breaking the Buddhist vow against killing."
 
  +
: ''Shi Yan.''
   
  +
; Dumbass
Flat-chested: ''Hur Bao Duhn'', slang, literally "eggs cooked sunny side up."
 
  +
: ''Chwen'', descriptive, literally "retarded."
   
  +
===E===
Foiled or ruined at the last moment: ''Soh Ya Feh Tian'', expression, literally "a cooked duck flies away."
 
  +
; Earthshaking
  +
: ''Jing Tian Dwohn Di'', literally "startle the sky and shake the earth."
   
  +
; Engage in a feces-hurling contest with a monkey
Fool: ''Sah Gwa'', literally "stupid melonhead."
 
  +
: ''G'en Ho Tze Bi Dio Se'' (Pronunciation: Gun hoe-tze bee dio-se)
   
  +
; Enough of this nonsense
Friend, pal, buddy: ''Puhn Yoh.''
 
  +
: ''Go Hwong Tong.''
   
  +
; Everybody, shut the hell up
Frog-humping son of a bitch: ''Qing Wa Cao De Liu Mang.'' (Pronunciation: Ching-wah tsao duh liou mahng)
 
  +
: ''Ni Men Dou Bi Zui.''
   
  +
; Everyone in the 'Verse
Fuck you. Damn everyone in the 'verse.: ''Ni Ta Ma De. Tian Xia Suo You De Ren Dou Gai Si.''
 
  +
: ''Tian Xia Suo You De Ren.''
   
  +
; Everything under the sky
~'''''G'''''~
 
  +
: ''Tian Shia'', can be used to allude to the world or universe.
   
  +
; Excrement
Gang or faction leader: ''Da Gher Da'' for male, ''Da Jeh Da'' for female, slang.
 
  +
: ''Mi Tian Gohn'', slang, derives from the fact that when you stack the three characters - "mi" (rice), "tian" (paddy), and "gohn" (public or mutual) - from top to bottom in that order, they form the ideograph for excrement.
   
  +
; Explosive diahrrea of an elephant
Garbage: ''Luh Suh.''
 
  +
: ''Da Shiong La Se La Ch'Wohn Tian.''
   
  +
; Extraordinarily impatient Buddha
Get bold or audacious: ''Fahn Dahn'', literally "release courage."
 
  +
: ''Zhen Mei Nai Xin De Fo Zu.'' (Pronunciation: Jen mei nai-shing duh fwo-tzoo)
   
  +
===F===
Get lost: ''Kwai Jio Kai.''
 
  +
; Fear nothing but (fill in the blank)
  +
: ''Tian Bu Pa, Di Bu Pa, Tze Pa...''
   
  +
; Fellow
Go all out, hold nothing back: ''Ping Ming'', literally "fight for one's life."
 
  +
: ''Ja Hwo'', also slang for weapon.
   
  +
; Female companion or girlfriend
Go far away very fast: ''Kuai Qu Hen Yuan De Di Fang''. (Pronunciation: Kwai chur hun-rien duh di fahng)
 
  +
: ''Ma Tze'', a somewhat derogatory slang; add ''Dow'' in front for "looking to get a girlfriend."
   
  +
; Filthy fornicators of livestock
Go to hell: ''Chiu Se'', literally "go die."
 
  +
: ''Ung Jeong Jia Ching Jien Soh.''
   
  +
; Fire!
Good or okay: ''How.''
 
  +
: ''Kai Huo'' (as in shooting), ''Fuhn Huo'' (as in starting).
   
  +
; Fire at will or terminate with extreme prejudice
Good journey or bon voyage: ''Yi Lu Shwen Fohn.''
 
  +
: ''Dai Kai Sa Jeh'', meaning "breaking the Buddhist vow against killing."
   
  +
; Flat-chested
Good luck: ''Joo How Rin.''
 
  +
: ''Hur Bao Duhn'', slang, literally "eggs cooked sunny side up."
   
  +
; Foiled or ruined at the last moment
Greetings: ''Ni How.''
 
  +
: ''Soh Ya Feh Tian'', expression, literally "a cooked duck flies away."
   
  +
; Fool
~'''''H'''''~
 
  +
: ''Sah Gwa'', literally "stupid melonhead."
   
  +
; Friend, pal, buddy
Handsome: ''Shwei.''
 
  +
: ''Puhn Yoh.''
   
  +
; Frog-humping son of a bitch
Happy development or fortuitous turn of event: ''How Shi Sung Chung'', literally "a good show's about to start," can be used sarcastically.
 
  +
: ''Qing Wa Cao De Liu Mang.'' (Pronunciation: Ching-wah tsao duh liou mahng)
   
  +
; Fuck you. Damn everyone in the 'verse.
Have desires above one's social / financial position, or beyond one's ability to realize: ''Lai Huh Moh Sheong Tze Tian Uh Zoh'', literally "for a toad to think of eating a swan."
 
  +
: ''Ni Ta Ma De. Tian Xia Suo You De Ren Dou Gai Si.''
   
  +
===G===
He or she: ''Tah, tah-duh'' for his or hers, ''tah-muhn'' for them, ''tah-munh-duh'' for theirs.
 
  +
; Gang or faction leader
  +
: ''Da Gher Da'' for male, ''Da Jeh Da'' for female, slang.
   
  +
; Garbage
Heal: ''Chou.''
 
  +
: ''Luh Suh.''
   
  +
; Get bold or audacious
Heaven knows what: ''Tian Xiao De.'' (Pronunciation: Tyen shiao duh)
 
  +
: ''Fahn Dahn'', literally "release courage."
   
  +
; Get lost
Hell: ''Guai.''
 
  +
: ''Kwai Jio Kai.''
   
  +
; Go all out, hold nothing back
Hey: ''Wai.'' (Pronunciation: Whay)
 
  +
: ''Ping Ming'', literally "fight for one's life."
   
  +
; Go far away very fast
Holy testicle Tuesday: ''Shun Sheng Duh Gao Wahn.''
 
  +
: ''Kuai Qu Hen Yuan De Di Fang''. (Pronunciation: Kwai chur hun-rien duh di fahng)
   
  +
; Go to hell
Homewrecking tramp: ''Hu Li Jing'', literally "fox spirit."
 
  +
: ''Chiu Se'', literally "go die."
   
  +
; Good or okay
How are you?: ''Ni Hao?''
 
  +
: ''How.''
   
  +
; Good journey or bon voyage
Hump: ''Gun.''
 
  +
: ''Yi Lu Shwen Fohn.''
   
  +
; Good luck
Hurry, speed up: ''Guhn Kwai.''
 
  +
: ''Joo How Rin.''
   
  +
; Greetings
~'''''I'''''~
 
  +
: ''Ni How.''
   
  +
===H===
I, or me: ''Wuo'', ''wuo-duh'' for mine.
 
  +
; Handsome
  +
: ''Shwei.''
   
  +
; Happy development or fortuitous turn of event
I don't believe my eyes!: ''Wo Bu Shin Wo Dah Yan Jing.''
 
  +
: ''How Shi Sung Chung'', literally "a good show's about to start," can be used sarcastically.
   
  +
; Have desires above one's social / financial position, or beyond one's ability to realize
I neither see nor hear you...: ''Wuo Dwei Nee Boo Ting Boo Jen.''
 
  +
: ''Lai Huh Moh Sheong Tze Tian Uh Zoh'', literally "for a toad to think of eating a swan."
   
  +
; He or she
I will close my ears and my heart and I will be a stone: ''Wuo Shang Mei Er'', ''Mei Sheen'', ''Byen Shi To''.
 
  +
: ''Tah, tah-duh'' for his or hers, ''tah-muhn'' for them, ''tah-munh-duh'' for theirs.
   
  +
; Heal
I/you saw his ghost: ''Jian Ta De Gui''. (Pronunciation: Jien tah duh guay)
 
  +
: ''Chou.''
   
  +
; Heaven knows what
Idiot, moron: ''Buhn Dahn'', literally "stupid egg," or ''Chwen Joo'', literally "retarded pig."
 
  +
: ''Tian Xiao De.'' (Pronunciation: Tyen shiao duh)
   
  +
; Hell
Idiots. All of you.: ''Ni Mun Dou Shi Sa Gua''. (Pronunciation: Nee mun doh shr sagwa.)
 
  +
: ''Guai.''
   
  +
; Hey
I'm fucked: ''Wo Cao.''
 
  +
: ''Wai.'' (Pronunciation: Whay)
   
  +
; Holy testicle Tuesday
Impossible: ''Bu Kuh Nuhn.''
 
  +
: ''Shun Sheng Duh Gao Wahn.''
   
  +
; Homewrecking tramp
Impressive display or visage but no substance: ''Da Chung Wu Dahn'', literally "big gun, no bullet."
 
  +
: ''Hu Li Jing'', literally "fox spirit."
   
  +
; How are you?
In someone's doghouse: ''Luhn Gohn'', literally "a cold palace," which is where an emperor confines those concubines who have fallen out of favor.
 
  +
: ''Ni Hao?''
   
  +
; Hump
In that case, never mind: ''Nah Mei Guan Shee.''
 
  +
: ''Gun.''
   
  +
; Hurry, speed up
Is that so?/Oh, really?: ''Shi Ma?''
 
  +
: ''Guhn Kwai.''
   
  +
===I===
~'''''J'''''~
 
  +
; I, or me
  +
: ''Wuo'', ''wuo-duh'' for mine.
   
  +
; I don't believe my eyes!
Jesus: ''Yeh Su.'' (Pronunciation: Yeh-soo)
 
  +
: ''Wo Bu Shin Wo Dah Yan Jing.''
   
  +
; I neither see nor hear you...
Junk: ''Feh Wu.'' (Pronunciation: Fei-oo)
 
  +
: ''Wuo Dwei Nee Boo Ting Boo Jen.''
   
  +
; I will close my ears and my heart and I will be a stone
Just our luck: ''Zhen Dao Mei''. (Pronunciation: Jen dao mei)
 
  +
: ''Wuo Shang Mei Er'', ''Mei Sheen'', ''Byen Shi To''.
   
  +
; I/you saw his ghost
~'''''K'''''~
 
  +
: ''Jian Ta De Gui''. (Pronunciation: Jien tah duh guay)
   
  +
; Idiot, moron
~'''''L'''''~
 
  +
: ''Buhn Dahn'', literally "stupid egg," or ''Chwen Joo'', literally "retarded pig."
   
  +
; Idiots. All of you.
Leader of a criminal operation: ''Ser Toh'', literally "snakehead," derogatory.
 
  +
: ''Ni Mun Dou Shi Sa Gua''. (Pronunciation: Nee mun doh shr sagwa.)
   
  +
; I'm fucked
Leave one to his own fate: ''Tze Sh'un Tze Mieh''.
 
  +
: ''Wo Cao.''
   
  +
; Impossible
Let me repeat myself: ''Wuo Jai Jeong Yi Chi''.
 
  +
: ''Bu Kuh Nuhn.''
   
  +
; Impressive display or visage but no substance
Let's see how we're going to die!: ''Kan Wo Men Zen Me Si Ba!''
 
  +
: ''Da Chung Wu Dahn'', literally "big gun, no bullet."
   
  +
; In someone's doghouse
Let's take a deep breath.: ''Yi Chi Shen Hu Xi.'' (Pronunciation: Ee-chee shung-hoo-shee.)
 
  +
: ''Luhn Gohn'', literally "a cold palace," which is where an emperor confines those concubines who have fallen out of favor.
   
  +
; In that case, never mind
Life support failure.: ''Shuhn Ming Shi T'wohn Gu Jong.''
 
  +
: ''Nah Mei Guan Shee.''
   
  +
; Is that so?/Oh, really?
Like hell: ''Jien Ta Duh Guay'', literally "see his ghost."
 
  +
: ''Shi Ma?''
   
  +
===J===
Little brother: ''Di'' or ''Di-Di''.
 
  +
; Jesus
  +
: ''Yeh Su.'' (Pronunciation: Yeh-soo)
   
  +
; Junk
Little sister: ''Mei'' or ''Mei-Mei''.
 
  +
: ''Feh Wu.'' (Pronunciation: Fei-oo)
   
  +
; Just our luck
Long time no see: ''How Joh Bu Jian.''
 
  +
: ''Zhen Dao Mei''. (Pronunciation: Jen dao mei)
   
  +
===K===
Oh, Lord/Oh, God: ''Lao Tien Fu.'' (Pronunciation: Lao tien foo)
 
   
  +
===L===
~'''''M'''''~
 
  +
; Leader of a criminal operation
  +
: ''Ser Toh'', literally "snakehead," derogatory.
   
  +
; Leave one to his own fate
Male companion or boyfriend: ''Kai Tze'', also a somewhat derogatory slang.
 
  +
: ''Tze Sh'un Tze Mieh''.
   
  +
; Let me repeat myself
Manipulate, or playing someone for a fool: ''Swa.''
 
  +
: ''Wuo Jai Jeong Yi Chi''.
   
  +
; Let's see how we're going to die!
Merciful Buddha protect us: ''Rung Tse Fwo Tzoo Bao Yo Wuo Muhn.''
 
  +
: ''Kan Wo Men Zen Me Si Ba!''
   
  +
; Let's take a deep breath.
Merciful God please take me away: ''Rung Tse Song Di Ching Dai Wuo Tzo.''
 
  +
: ''Yi Chi Shen Hu Xi.'' (Pronunciation: Ee-chee shung-hoo-shee.)
   
  +
; Life support failure.
Merciless hell: ''Ai Yah Tien Ah.''
 
  +
: ''Shuhn Ming Shi T'wohn Gu Jong.''
   
  +
; Like hell
Mind your own business: ''Gwon Ni Tze Jee Duh Shr.'' (Pronunciation: Gwon nee ju jee du shu)
 
  +
: ''Jien Ta Duh Guay'', literally "see his ghost."
   
  +
; Little brother
Miss: ''Shao Jeh'', literally "little lady." Follows a name when addressing a known person, so River would be addressed as Tam River ''shao jeh'', or simply Tam ''shao jeh''.
 
  +
: ''Di'' or ''Di-Di''.
   
  +
; Little sister
Mister: ''Shian Shen'', literally "born before me," also follows a person's name.
 
  +
: ''Mei'' or ''Mei-Mei''.
   
  +
; Long time no see
Monkey raping: ''Cheong Bao Ho Tze.''
 
  +
: ''How Joh Bu Jian.''
   
  +
; Oh, Lord/Oh, God
Monkey's ass: ''Ho Tze Duh Pi Gu.''
 
  +
: ''Lao Tien Fu.'' (Pronunciation: Lao tien foo)
   
  +
===M===
Mother of god: ''Wuh De Ma.''
 
  +
; Male companion or boyfriend
  +
: ''Kai Tze'', also a somewhat derogatory slang.
   
  +
; Manipulate, or playing someone for a fool
Motherless goat of all motherless goats: ''Mei Yong Ma Duh Tse Gu Yong.''
 
  +
: ''Swa.''
   
  +
; Merciful Buddha protect us
Muddled, mixed-up, confused: ''Wu Toh Wu Now'', literally "without a head or a brain."
 
  +
: ''Rung Tse Fwo Tzoo Bao Yo Wuo Muhn.''
   
  +
; Merciful God please take me away
Motherfucker: ''Ta Ma Duh.''
 
  +
: ''Rung Tse Song Di Ching Dai Wuo Tzo.''
   
  +
; Merciless hell
Mother-humping son of a bitch: ''Ta Ma De Hun Dan.''
 
  +
: ''Ai Yah Tien Ah.''
   
  +
; Mind your own business
My ass is fucked: ''Wo Pi Gu Cao.''
 
  +
: ''Gwon Ni Tze Jee Duh Shr.'' (Pronunciation: Gwon nee ju jee du shu)
   
  +
; Miss
My Buddha-ancestor: ''Wo De Fo Zu.''
 
  +
: ''Shao Jeh'', literally "little lady." Follows a name when addressing a known person, so River would be addressed as Tam River ''shao jeh'', or simply Tam ''shao jeh''.
   
  +
; Mister
My wife is not pretty!: ''Wo Tai Tai Bu Piou Liang.''
 
  +
: ''Shian Shen'', literally "born before me," also follows a person's name.
   
  +
; Monkey raping
~'''''N'''''~
 
  +
: ''Cheong Bao Ho Tze.''
   
  +
; Monkey's ass
No problem: ''Mei Wen Ti.''
 
  +
: ''Ho Tze Duh Pi Gu.''
   
  +
; Mother of god
No work (to be found) at all: ''Me Gong Zuo Dou Mei You.''
 
  +
: ''Wuh De Ma.''
   
  +
; Motherless goat of all motherless goats
Nonsense: ''Fei Hua'', literally 'crap talk.'
 
  +
: ''Mei Yong Ma Duh Tse Gu Yong.''
   
  +
; Muddled, mixed-up, confused
Not advised: ''Jwohn Gao Bu Yi.''
 
  +
: ''Wu Toh Wu Now'', literally "without a head or a brain."
   
  +
; Motherfucker
Not enough: ''Bu Goh'', or ''Hai Bu Goh'' for "not enough yet."
 
  +
: ''Ta Ma Duh.''
   
  +
; Mother-humping son of a bitch
Not keeping a rendezvous: ''Fahn Gher Tze'', literally "release a pigeon" but insinuating not picking up the bird at the destination.
 
  +
: ''Ta Ma De Hun Dan.''
   
  +
; My ass is fucked
Now, immediately, right away: ''Ma Shong.''
 
  +
: ''Wo Pi Gu Cao.''
   
  +
; My Buddha-ancestor
Nuts: ''Shiang Jing Ping'' or just ''Shiang Jing''; ''Fuh Shiang Jing'' for "going nuts."
 
  +
: ''Wo De Fo Zu.''
   
  +
; My wife is not pretty!
Nurse (as the profession, not the verb): ''Hu Shi.''
 
  +
: ''Wo Tai Tai Bu Piou Liang.''
   
  +
===N===
~'''''O'''''~
 
  +
; No problem
  +
: ''Mei Wen Ti.''
   
  +
; No work (to be found) at all
Oddball or a goof: ''Chai Neow.''
 
  +
: ''Me Gong Zuo Dou Mei You.''
   
  +
; Nonsense
Of course: ''Duhn Ruhn.''
 
  +
: ''Fei Hua'', literally 'crap talk.'
   
  +
; Not advised
Oh Lord, you clearly know I'm helping do your Work, so why do you find me trouble?: ''Zhu Ah'', ''Ni Ming Ming Zhi Dao Wo Shi Bang Ni Zuo Shi'', ''You He Bi Zhao Wo Ma Fan Ne?''
 
  +
: ''Jwohn Gao Bu Yi.''
   
  +
; Not enough
Oh my God: ''Wou Duh Tian Ah.''
 
  +
: ''Bu Goh'', or ''Hai Bu Goh'' for "not enough yet."
   
  +
; Not keeping a rendezvous
Old: ''Lao.''
 
  +
: ''Fahn Gher Tze'', literally "release a pigeon" but insinuating not picking up the bird at the destination.
   
  +
; Now, immediately, right away
Old man / husband: ''Lao Gohn.''
 
  +
: ''Ma Shong.''
   
  +
; Nuts
Old woman / wife: ''Lao Puo.''
 
  +
: ''Shiang Jing Ping'' or just ''Shiang Jing''; ''Fuh Shiang Jing'' for "going nuts."
   
  +
; Nurse (as the profession, not the verb)
Old friend, you're looking lively.: ''Lao Peng You'', ''Ni Kan Chi Lai Hen You Jing Shen'', literally "Old friend, you're looking full of spirit." (Pronunciation: Lao pung yo nee can chi lai hun yo jing shen.)
 
  +
: ''Hu Shi.''
   
  +
===O===
One more cup of that brand, please.: ''Qing Zai Lai Yi Bei Na Kapei.''
 
  +
; Oddball or a goof
  +
: ''Chai Neow.''
   
  +
; Of course
One must be ruthless to be a great man: ''Wu Du Bu Juhn Fu'', literally "a person without poison is not a great man."
 
  +
: ''Duhn Ruhn.''
   
  +
; Oh Lord, you clearly know I'm helping do your Work, so why do you find me trouble?
Ordinarily useless: ''Jing Chang Mei Yong De''. (Pronunciation: Jing tzahng mei yong duh)
 
  +
: ''Zhu Ah'', ''Ni Ming Ming Zhi Dao Wo Shi Bang Ni Zuo Shi'', ''You He Bi Zhao Wo Ma Fan Ne?''
   
  +
; Oh my God
Outdo someone or doing one better: ''Dao-Gao-Yee-Chi Moh-Gao-Yee-Juhn'', expression, literally "the solution advances a yard, the problem advances a mile."
 
  +
: ''Wou Duh Tian Ah.''
   
  +
; Old
Over my dead body: ''Choo fay wuh suh leh.''
 
  +
: ''Lao.''
   
  +
; Old man / husband
~'''''P'''''~
 
  +
: ''Lao Gohn.''
   
  +
; Old woman / wife
Pal: ''Lao Sheong'' if addressee's older, ''Lao Di'' if younger; used for men only. ''P'n Yoh'' for "friend."
 
  +
: ''Lao Puo.''
   
  +
; Old friend, you're looking lively.
Panda piss: ''Xiong Mao Niao''. (Pronunciation: Shiong mao niao)
 
  +
: ''Lao Peng You'', ''Ni Kan Chi Lai Hen You Jing Shen'', literally "Old friend, you're looking full of spirit." (Pronunciation: Lao pung yo nee can chi lai hun yo jing shen.)
   
  +
; One more cup of that brand, please.
Pathetic wretch: ''Bei Bi Shiou Ren'', literally "shameless dirty little person."
 
  +
: ''Qing Zai Lai Yi Bei Na Kapei.''
   
  +
; One must be ruthless to be a great man
Penis: ''Ji Ba'', slang. (Pronunciation: Jee-ba)
 
  +
: ''Wu Du Bu Juhn Fu'', literally "a person without poison is not a great man."
   
  +
; Ordinarily useless
Peon, small fry, a nobody: ''Wu Ming Shao Jwu'', literally "nameless little foot soldier."
 
  +
: ''Jing Chang Mei Yong De''. (Pronunciation: Jing tzahng mei yong duh)
   
  +
; Outdo someone or doing one better
Prehistoric: ''Lao Deow Ya'', literally "so old as to lose all teeth."
 
  +
: ''Dao-Gao-Yee-Chi Moh-Gao-Yee-Juhn'', expression, literally "the solution advances a yard, the problem advances a mile."
   
  +
; Over my dead body
Pig's sty: ''Joo Fuen Chse.''
 
  +
: ''Choo fay wuh suh leh.''
   
  +
===P===
Pile of sun-baked dog poo: ''Ri shao gou shi bing.''
 
  +
; Pal
  +
: ''Lao Sheong'' if addressee's older, ''Lao Di'' if younger; used for men only. ''P'n Yoh'' for "friend."
   
  +
; Panda piss
Piss-soaked pikers: ''Niao Se Duh Du Gwai.''
 
  +
: ''Xiong Mao Niao''. (Pronunciation: Shiong mao niao)
   
  +
; Pathetic wretch
Piss washed: ''Xi Niao.'' (Pronunciation: Shee niao)
 
  +
: ''Bei Bi Shiou Ren'', literally "shameless dirty little person."
   
  +
; Penis
Plain, bland, bare: ''Yong Chwen Mien'', slang taken from the namesake generic, flavorless noodle dish.
 
  +
: ''Ji Ba'', slang. (Pronunciation: Jee-ba)
   
  +
; Peon, small fry, a nobody
Please be quiet: ''Ching Ahn Jing Yi Dien.''
 
  +
: ''Wu Ming Shao Jwu'', literally "nameless little foot soldier."
   
  +
; Prehistoric
Pledge (promise): ''Shi Yan.''
 
  +
: ''Lao Deow Ya'', literally "so old as to lose all teeth."
   
  +
; Pig's sty
Pool of excrement: ''F'n Zse'', can be used in an expression for "deep crap."
 
  +
: ''Joo Fuen Chse.''
   
  +
; Pile of sun-baked dog poo
Pool of pig droppings: ''Joo Fuen Chse.''
 
  +
: ''Ri shao gou shi bing.''
   
  +
; Piss-soaked pikers
Precious, darling, sweetheart, treasure: ''Bao Bei.''
 
  +
: ''Niao Se Duh Du Gwai.''
   
  +
; Piss washed
Pretty lady, hire me for the night and I'll open you like a flower...: ''Piow Liang De Shao Ji'', ''Nee Gu Wuo Hu Nee Shang Hao''. ''Wuh Hwai Rong Nee Shung Kai Roo Hua''.
 
  +
: ''Xi Niao.'' (Pronunciation: Shee niao)
   
  +
; Plain, bland, bare
Pretty lady, forget him and hire me...: ''Piow Liang De Shao Ji, Bu Li Tah, Gu Wo...''
 
  +
: ''Yong Chwen Mien'', slang taken from the namesake generic, flavorless noodle dish.
   
  +
; Please be quiet
~'''''Q'''''~
 
  +
: ''Ching Ahn Jing Yi Dien.''
   
  +
; Pledge (promise)
~'''''R'''''~
 
  +
: ''Shi Yan.''
   
  +
; Pool of excrement
Real man: ''Nuhn Tze Huhn.''
 
  +
: ''F'n Zse'', can be used in an expression for "deep crap."
   
  +
; Pool of pig droppings
Really dangerous: ''Wei Shan'', more poetic, ''Wo Hu Chung Long'', which is "crouching tiger, hidden dragon," an expression for something dangerous.
 
  +
: ''Joo Fuen Chse.''
   
  +
; Precious, darling, sweetheart, treasure
Really is a genius: ''Zhen De Shi Tian Cai.'' (Pronunciation: Jen duh sh tyen tsai)
 
  +
: ''Bao Bei.''
   
  +
; Pretty lady, hire me for the night and I'll open you like a flower...
Redundant, unnecessary complicating something: ''Wua Ser Tian Jwoo'', literally "draw a snake and add feet to it."
 
  +
: ''Piow Liang De Shao Ji'', ''Nee Gu Wuo Hu Nee Shang Hao''. ''Wuh Hwai Rong Nee Shung Kai Roo Hua''.
   
  +
; Pretty lady, forget him and hire me...
Remorseless harridan: ''Bu Hui Hen De Puo Fu''. (Pronunciation: Boo hway-hun duh puo-foo)
 
  +
: ''Piow Liang De Shao Ji, Bu Li Tah, Gu Wo...''
   
  +
===Q===
Retreat, run away: ''Joi Weh Sung Chiuh'', phrase summarizing the last of the Chinese "36 Stratagems," which extols the virtue of fleeing to fight another day.
 
   
  +
===R===
Ridiculously strange, illogical or nonsensical: ''Mo Min Chi Meow'', literally "not understanding the peculiarity."
 
  +
; Real man
  +
: ''Nuhn Tze Huhn.''
   
  +
; Really dangerous
Ruined, finished: ''Wan Duhn Luh.''
 
  +
: ''Wei Shan'', more poetic, ''Wo Hu Chung Long'', which is "crouching tiger, hidden dragon," an expression for something dangerous.
   
  +
; Really is a genius
Ruthless or savage beast of a person: ''Ching Soh.''
 
  +
: ''Zhen De Shi Tian Cai.'' (Pronunciation: Jen duh sh tyen tsai)
   
  +
; Redundant, unnecessary complicating something
~'''''S'''''~
 
  +
: ''Wua Ser Tian Jwoo'', literally "draw a snake and add feet to it."
   
  +
; Remorseless harridan
Screw him/her running: ''Gun Ta Jwo Lu.''
 
  +
: ''Bu Hui Hen De Puo Fu''. (Pronunciation: Boo hway-hun duh puo-foo)
   
  +
; Retreat, run away
Screw you: ''Chwee Ni Duh'', literally "eat yours."
 
  +
: ''Joi Weh Sung Chiuh'', phrase summarizing the last of the Chinese "36 Stratagems," which extols the virtue of fleeing to fight another day.
   
  +
; Ridiculously strange, illogical or nonsensical
Shameless hussy: ''Meh Lien Duh Jyah Jee'', literally "faceless bastard prostitute."
 
  +
: ''Mo Min Chi Meow'', literally "not understanding the peculiarity."
   
  +
; Ruined, finished
Shiny, awesome, fantastic: ''Jahn!''
 
  +
: ''Wan Duhn Luh.''
   
  +
; Ruthless or savage beast of a person
Shit on my head: ''Ai Ya Jwai Leh.''
 
  +
: ''Ching Soh.''
   
  +
===S===
Shit talk: ''Da Bian Hua.''
 
  +
; Screw him/her running
  +
: ''Gun Ta Jwo Lu.''
   
  +
; Screw you
Shut up: ''Bi Jweh.''
 
  +
: ''Chwee Ni Duh'', literally "eat yours."
   
  +
; Shameless hussy
Shut up and make us wealthy: ''Bi Jweh, Lung Wuo Mun Fah Tsai.''
 
  +
: ''Meh Lien Duh Jyah Jee'', literally "faceless bastard prostitute."
   
  +
; Shiny, awesome, fantastic
Shut up, you inconsiderate schoolboys: ''Bi Jweh Nein Hen Bu Tee Tyeh Duh Nan Shung.''
 
  +
: ''Jahn!''
   
  +
; Shit on my head
Sir: ''Da Yeh.'' When used as a nobility, ''Nuhu Jwei'' following the name.
 
  +
: ''Ai Ya Jwai Leh.''
   
  +
; Shit talk
Smelled a fart: ''Wen Gua Pi''. (Pronunciation: Wun gwa pee)
 
  +
: ''Da Bian Hua.''
   
  +
; Shut up
So guilty as to deserve a thousand deaths: ''Jwei Gai Won Se.''
 
  +
: ''Bi Jweh.''
   
  +
; Shut up and make us wealthy
Soldier, fighter, warrior: ''Zhan Shi.''
 
  +
: ''Bi Jweh, Lung Wuo Mun Fah Tsai.''
   
  +
; Shut up, you inconsiderate schoolboys
Son of a bitch: ''Wong Ba Duhn'', or ''Go Neong Yung Duh'' for a more literal and vicious translation.
 
  +
: ''Bi Jweh Nein Hen Bu Tee Tyeh Duh Nan Shung.''
   
  +
; Sir
Son of a drooling whore and a monkey: ''Liu Kou Shui De Biao Zi He Hou Zi De Er Zi''. (Pronunciation: Liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze duh ur-tze)
 
  +
: ''Da Yeh.'' When used as a nobility, ''Nuhu Jwei'' following the name.
   
  +
; Smelled a fart
Speak now and quickly: ''Yo Hua Kwai Suo.''
 
  +
: ''Wen Gua Pi''. (Pronunciation: Wun gwa pee)
   
  +
; So guilty as to deserve a thousand deaths
Speaking without a clue: ''Shiah Hwa'', literally "blind talk."
 
  +
: ''Jwei Gai Won Se.''
   
  +
; Soldier, fighter, warrior
Stop talking: ''Joo Koh.''
 
  +
: ''Zhan Shi.''
   
  +
; Son of a bitch
Stuff all the planets in the universe into my ass: ''Tai Kong Suo You Di Xing Qui Dou Sai Jin Wo De Pi Gu.'' (Pronunciation: Tai-kong suo-yo duh shing-chiou doh sai-jin wuh dhu pee-goo.)
 
  +
: ''Wong Ba Duhn'', or ''Go Neong Yung Duh'' for a more literal and vicious translation.
   
  +
; Son of a drooling whore and a monkey
Stupid: ''Yu Bun Duh.''
 
  +
: ''Liu Kou Shui De Biao Zi He Hou Zi De Er Zi''. (Pronunciation: Liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze duh ur-tze)
   
  +
; Speak now and quickly
Stupid inbred stack of meat: ''Ben Tian Sheng De Yi Dui Rou.'' (Pronunciation: Bun tyen-shung duh ee-dway-ro)
 
  +
: ''Yo Hua Kwai Suo.''
   
  +
; Speaking without a clue
Stupid son of a drooling whore and monkey: ''Lio Coh Jwei Ji Neong Hur Ho Deh Yung Duh Buhn Jah J'wohn.''
 
  +
: ''Shiah Hwa'', literally "blind talk."
   
  +
; Stop talking
Suicidal idea: ''Tze sah ju yi.''
 
  +
: ''Joo Koh.''
   
  +
; Stuff all the planets in the universe into my ass
Surrender, give up: ''Toh Shung.''
 
  +
: ''Tai Kong Suo You Di Xing Qui Dou Sai Jin Wo De Pi Gu.'' (Pronunciation: Tai-kong suo-yo duh shing-chiou doh sai-jin wuh dhu pee-goo.)
   
  +
; Stupid
Swindle: ''Gwai.''
 
  +
: ''Yu Bun Duh.''
   
  +
; Stupid inbred stack of meat
~'''''T'''''~
 
  +
: ''Ben Tian Sheng De Yi Dui Rou.'' (Pronunciation: Bun tyen-shung duh ee-dway-ro)
   
  +
; Stupid son of a drooling whore and monkey
Take care, stay healthy: ''Bao Jone'', literally "maintain weight."
 
  +
: ''Lio Coh Jwei Ji Neong Hur Ho Deh Yung Duh Buhn Jah J'wohn.''
   
  +
; Suicidal idea
Talk nonsense: ''Shia Suo.''
 
  +
: ''Tze sah ju yi.''
   
  +
; Surrender, give up
Thank you: ''Sheh Sheh.''
 
  +
: ''Toh Shung.''
   
  +
; Swindle
That has nothing to do with it: ''Na Mei Guan Xi''. (Pronunciation: Nah mei guan shee)
 
  +
: ''Gwai.''
   
  +
===T===
There's nothing about this plan that isn't horrific!: ''Juh Guh Jee Hua Juhn Kuh Pah!''
 
  +
; Take care, stay healthy
  +
: ''Bao Jone'', literally "maintain weight."
   
  +
; Talk nonsense
Things never go smooth: ''How W'rin Bu Lai, Whai W'rin Bu Jwo.''
 
  +
: ''Shia Suo.''
   
  +
; Thank you
This really is a happy holiday: ''Zhe Zhen Shi Ge Kuai Le De Jing Zhang.'' (Pronunciation: Juh jen sh guh kwai luh duh jean jan)
 
  +
: ''Sheh Sheh.''
   
  +
; That has nothing to do with it
To throw in a monkeywrench: ''Gwai Ma Jeow'', literally "twist a horse's legs (while it's galloping)."
 
  +
: ''Na Mei Guan Xi''. (Pronunciation: Nah mei guan shee)
   
  +
; There's nothing about this plan that isn't horrific!
Trouble, problem, complication: ''Ma Fuhn.''
 
  +
: ''Juh Guh Jee Hua Juhn Kuh Pah!''
   
  +
; Things never go smooth
Tyrant, iron-fisted ruler: ''Ba Wong.''
 
  +
: ''How W'rin Bu Lai, Whai W'rin Bu Jwo.''
   
  +
; This really is a happy holiday
~'''''U'''''~
 
  +
: ''Zhe Zhen Shi Ge Kuai Le De Jing Zhang.'' (Pronunciation: Juh jen sh guh kwai luh duh jean jan)
   
  +
; To throw in a monkeywrench
Ugly or perverted person: ''Joo Bah Jeh'', insult taken from the name of the hoggish, lecherous character in the popular Chinese folktale, "Journey to the West."
 
  +
: ''Gwai Ma Jeow'', literally "twist a horse's legs (while it's galloping)."
   
  +
; Trouble, problem, complication
Understand: ''Dohn, dohn-ma'' for "understand?", ''dohn-luh-mah'' for "are we clear here?"
 
  +
: ''Ma Fuhn.''
   
  +
; Tyrant, iron-fisted ruler
Urine: ''Niao.''
 
  +
: ''Ba Wong.''
   
  +
===U===
~'''''V'''''~
 
  +
; Ugly or perverted person
  +
: ''Joo Bah Jeh'', insult taken from the name of the hoggish, lecherous character in the popular Chinese folktale, "Journey to the West."
   
  +
; Understand
Very: ''Feh Chun.''
 
  +
: ''Dohn, dohn-ma'' for "understand?", ''dohn-luh-mah'' for "are we clear here?"
   
  +
; Urine
~'''''W'''''~
 
  +
: ''Niao.''
   
  +
===V===
Wait / hold on a second: ''D'un Yi Shia.''
 
  +
; Very
  +
: ''Feh Chun.''
   
  +
===W===
Warning someone against doing things "the hard way": ''Jin Joh Bu Chi Chi Fah Joh'', literally "choosing to sip the wine of penalty over that of respect."
 
  +
; Wait / hold on a second
  +
: ''D'un Yi Shia.''
   
  +
; Warning someone against doing things "the hard way"
Water: ''Swei.''
 
  +
: ''Jin Joh Bu Chi Chi Fah Joh'', literally "choosing to sip the wine of penalty over that of respect."
   
  +
; Water
We, us: ''Wuo Mun'', ''Wuo Mun Duh'' for ours.
 
  +
: ''Swei.''
   
  +
; We, us
We will enjoy your silence now: ''Bai Tuo'', ''Uhn Jin Tee Dien.''
 
  +
: ''Wuo Mun'', ''Wuo Mun Duh'' for ours.
   
  +
; We will enjoy your silence now
Weak-ass sauce: ''Lan Dan Jiang.''
 
  +
: ''Bai Tuo'', ''Uhn Jin Tee Dien.''
   
  +
; Weak-ass sauce
We're in big trouble: ''Ai Ya Wo Mun Wan Leh.''
 
  +
: ''Lan Dan Jiang.''
   
  +
; We're in big trouble
What: ''Shuh Muh?''
 
  +
: ''Ai Ya Wo Mun Wan Leh.''
   
  +
; What
What the hell is this crap?: ''Juh Shi Suh Mo Go Dohng Shee?''
 
  +
: ''Shuh Muh?''
   
  +
; What the hell is this crap?
~'''''X'''''~
 
  +
: ''Juh Shi Suh Mo Go Dohng Shee?''
   
  +
===X===
~'''''Y'''''~
 
   
  +
===Y===
Yeah, right: ''Cai Bu Shi.''
 
  +
; Yeah, right
  +
: ''Cai Bu Shi.''
   
  +
; Yes
Yes: ''Shi.''
 
  +
: ''Shi.''
   
  +
; You
You: ''Ni, ni-duh'' for yours, ''ni-muhn'' for plural, ''ni-muhn-duh'' for plural possessive.
 
  +
: ''Ni, ni-duh'' for yours, ''ni-muhn'' for plural, ''ni-muhn-duh'' for plural possessive.
   
You don't deserve it: ''Ni Bu Ying Duh Jur Guh.''
+
; You don't deserve it
  +
: ''Ni Bu Ying Duh Jur Guh.''
   
You wanna bullet right in your throat?: ''Nee Yow Wuo Kai Chiung?''
+
; You wanna bullet right in your throat?
  +
: ''Nee Yow Wuo Kai Chiung?''
   
You wanna die?: ''Nee Tzao Se Mah?''
+
; You wanna die?
  +
: ''Nee Tzao Se Mah?''
   
Young lady: ''Xiao Mei Mei.''
+
; Young lady
  +
: ''Xiao Mei Mei.''
   
  +
; Young one
Young one: ''Nyen Ching Duh'', or ''Yo Chr'', slang for underaged (literally "infant teeth.")
 
  +
: ''Nyen Ching Duh'', or ''Yo Chr'', slang for underaged (literally "infant teeth.")
   
You're crazy: ''Fa Kuang.''
+
; You're crazy
  +
: ''Fa Kuang.''
   
You're hurt: ''Ni Shou Shang Le.''
+
; You're hurt
  +
: ''Ni Shou Shang Le.''
   
You're mad: ''Fa Feng.''
+
; You're mad
  +
: ''Fa Feng.''
   
  +
===Z===
~'''''Z'''''~
 
   
 
[[Category:Firefly]]
 
[[Category:Firefly]]

Revision as of 14:48, 30 April 2008

Rim world speech

  • Truncate the "g" for "ing" words ("schoolin'")
  • Pepper with slang adjectives.
  • Double negatives. ("It don't mean nothin' out here.")
  • Using odd words and word forms in phrases.
  • Use "don't" instead of "doesn't."
  • Ain't.
  • Odd Words: druther, yonder, dang, plumb, right smart.
  • Prefixing on "-ing" ("a-runnin'").
  • No -ly on adverbs. ("She described the plan real simple. That job's awful hard to do.")
  • Subject and verb don't match. ("We was goin' there. He got none of that.")
  • Malformed verbs. ("He growed up real good. He come by here last night. I seen it with my own eyes. He done run off again.")

A few examples...

  • "Looks like we got us some imminent violence."
  • "We got no short of ugly ridin' in on us."
  • "I'm just feeling kind of truthsome right now."
  • "We're in some peril here."
  • "We just need a small crew, them as feel the need to be free."
  • "This here's a recipe for unpleasantness."
  • "I'm shocked my own self."
  • "We'll be there directly."
  • "But she does have an oddness to her."

Slang

Frontier life

All-fired
Completely. ("Where'd she go gettin' all-fired jealous 'bout this?")
Awful, Dreadful, Mighty, Plumb, Powerful
Adjectives for emphasis. ("Gettin' awful crowded in my sky.")
Bang-up
Great. ("They did a bang-up job.")
Bughouse
Mental hospital.
Git
Go away.
Ornery
Stubborn, not passive.
Peck
A large amount.
Preacher
Anyone religious.
Run afoul
To get into trouble with.
Shindig
A party, usually with dancing.
Shiny
Good or valuable.
Size someone up
Judge how tough they are or what their intentions might be.
Tetchy
Sensitive or complaining.

Spacefaring

Atmo
Atmosphere, as in to "leave atmo."
The black
Space.
Clean your housing
To give a thorough beating (as in a spaceship's engine housing).
Feds, Federals
Members of the Alliance, its military, law enforcement, or functionaries.
Go to blackout
Shut down power on the ship to avoid detection.
On the drift
In space without fuel unable to travel.
Reavers
Madmen who live on the edges of civilized space, flying dangerous ships and preying on other space vessels.
The Rim
Frontier planets, not the core.
The 'Verse
Inhabited space or the universe.
Being buzzed
Sensors from another ship are actively sweeping you.

Underworld

Doxy
Prostitute.
Drops
Illegal, addictive, narcotic drugs.
Second story job
Breaking and entering robbery.
Scratch
Valuables.
The goods
Loot.
Went south
Problems appeared, the plan fell apart.
Tonic
Amateur or illegal alcoholic drink.
Bushwhack
Ambush.
Footpad
Pickpocket thief in a town.
Hornswoggle
To trick someone.
On the dodge
Wanted by the police.

Technical

Advocate
A lawyer.
Cortex
Widespread information network.
Genseed
Genetically engineered crop seeds used on freshly terraformed worlds.
Skyplex
Orbital city or space station.
Wave
A communication: text, audio, video, or holographic.

Chinese phrases

The Chinese that became one of the two primary tongues of the 'Verse was originally known as Mandarin - China's official language. Mandarin, or Pekingese, is a dialect once spoken in that country's northern part, primarily around the Beijing city. The other major Chinese dialect was Cantonese, spoken down south in the Canton Province. Way back in the Earth-That-Was days, the Chinese foul actually went through a brouhaha as to which of the two tongues to make official. Though no blood was shed far as we know, it was a verbal civil war. North vs. South fought with volleys of dead-waking hollers over the virtues of their respective cant.

Obviously in the end Mandarin won out. So instead of yat zeu, people shout chui se to tell folks to go to hell.

Chinese is a very different tongue than English, and is difficult for those who don't pick it up in the earliest years. Traditional Chinese has four inflections, five if you count the fifth, "soft" one. You best enunciate each just right or you might have folk scratching their head, wondering why you're so upset about losing a shoe when you're really trying to alert them of a man overboard.

We said traditional, because in the 26th century we go by New Chinese. Like English where new words constantly replace the old and nobody utters the Earth-That-Was slang, Chinese got a makeover too. The progression of humans into a bilingual community evolved the original language into a strip-downed version. The main languages, Chinese and English, each have certain subjects and ideas it can express more efficiently. Over time, folks figured out what they are and started replacing different parts of speech with whichever language that related their thoughts the best. A doctor in the 26th century wouldn't hope to explain chi flow in English, for instance, any more than a control station would give docking instructions in Chinese.

Words and phrases became further streamlined—curmudgeon sticklers would say "corrupted." But only those reared in true Old Chinese-speaking households would complain, and the accessibility made it much easier for lower-class folk of English-speaking heritage.

Jung J'wohn Guo Hua
Like a True Spacer

The above would read 'Speaking Chinese Like a True Spacer' in English. In humanity's new home, a collective of humans is all able to swear in a 5,000+ year old language - with a cowboy twang.

The following phrases can be tossed into whatever situation seems most appropriate - or not. These just scratch the surface of Chinese cursing possibilities. While even educated, refined folk swear every now and then, you're more likely to hear most of these phrases out of a free-boosting fringe rat. Phrases are listed by the first letter of the phrase, and collected here thanks to Laura (Zoe's player!) and the Serenity RPG.

A

A big pile of shit
Yi Da Tuo Da Bian.
A switch to those girls' backsides is just good enough
Byen Dah Tah Muhn Dug Bay Jo Go Lai.
Abracadabra-alakazam
Tian-Ling-Ling, Di-Ling-Ling.
Accusing someone of lying, a ridiculous notion, or talking out of one's ass
Fuhn Pi, literally "farting."
Agitate someone out of hiding
Da Chow Jing Ser, literally "beating the grass to startle the snake."
Alas, not good, what a mess, too bad
Jao Gao, literally "spoiled cake."
All that's proper
Suoyou De Dou Shidang. (Pronunciation: Suo-yo duh doh shr-dang)
Alliance
Nien Mohn.
Are we clear here?
Dohn luh mah.
Asshole
Fang Pi.
Ass, bottom, posterior
Pi Gu. (Pronunciation: Pee-goo)
Attributing an unfortunate longshot occurrence
Yeh Lu Jwo Duo Luh Jwohn Whei Jian Guay, literally "do enough nighttime travels and one will eventually see a ghost"; also a warning of future retribution.
Awesome or extraordinarily clever
Gao Guhn, literally "high pole."

B

Baboon's ass crack
Feh Feh Pi Goh.
Bastard, jerk
Huen Dahn, literally "rotten egg." (Pronunciation: Hwoon Dahn)
Big boss or operator of a business
Lao Buhn; Lao Buhn Ni'un for female boss or proprietor's wife. Also informal appellation for acquaintances.
Big brother
Ghuh or Ghuh-Ghuh, the former is more intimate and connotes blood relation.
Big change
Da Bianhua.
Big sister
Jei or Jei-Jei.
Big stupid pile of stinking meat
Yi Dwei Da Buen Chuo Roh.
Blessings on you, dear sister
Zhufu Ni, Mei-Mei. (Pronunciation: Tzoo-foo nee, mei-mei.)
Blindside or conspire against someone secretly
Fuhn Leong Jian, literally "shoot a cold arrow."
Bottoms up
Gon Beh, literally "dry cup."
Brilliant
Jing Chai.
Browncoat
(slang for soldiers of Independent) Jone Yee.

C

Cheap floozy
Jien Huo.
Check at once
Ma Shong Jien Cha.
Cheering or urging someone on
Jah Yoh, literally "add fuel," equivalent of "go (name)!" in English.
Choose the wrong method to handle a situation
Bao Xin Jiu Huo, literally "bring wood to put out a fire."
Come in
Ching Jin.
Commit blunder of great magnitude
Bie Woo Lohng.
Complete disarray or sheer pandemonium
Tian Fuhn Di Fu, literally "sky tumbles while earth turns over."
Completely useless
Tian Di Wu Yohn.
Congratulations
Gohn Shi.
Conniving or scheming person
Guay Toh Guay Nown, literally "ghost head and ghost brain."
Cool
Ku.
Oh, crap
Tzao Gao.
Crap, shit
Go se.
Crazy
Feng Le (Pronunciation: Fong luh)
Crazy dog in love with its own feces
Ai Chr Jze Se Duh Fohn Diang Gho.
Cursing
Ma Jung Hwa, literally "chastise with dirty words."
Cute
Kuh Ai.

D

Damn or damn it
Ta Ma Duh (literally "his mother's..."), Gai Si, Ai Ya.
Dangerous person or animal
Wei Shian Dohn Woo.
Dangly piece of flesh
Zhan Dou De Yi Kuai Rou. (Pronunciation: Jan-doh duh ee-kwai-ro)
Daydream or wishful thinking
Bai Lih Mohn.
Dear god in heaven
Wo De Tian A. (Pronunciation: Wuh de tyen ah).
Demon woman
Yao Nu.
Deserving of bad consequence or fate
Hwo Gai.
Despicable
Kuh Wu.
Dirty bastard sons-of--
Wang Ba Dan. (Pronunciation: Wang bao dahn).
Do something for nothing in return, or wasted endeavour without a payoff
Yee Yan, literally "a charity show."
Dog-fucking
Gou cao de. (Pronunciation: Go tsao de)
Done for or imminent doom
Wong Dahn, literally "finished (cooked) egg."
Don't worry
Fang Xin. (Pronunciation: Fahng-sheen)
Down payment
Shi Yan.
Dumbass
Chwen, descriptive, literally "retarded."

E

Earthshaking
Jing Tian Dwohn Di, literally "startle the sky and shake the earth."
Engage in a feces-hurling contest with a monkey
G'en Ho Tze Bi Dio Se (Pronunciation: Gun hoe-tze bee dio-se)
Enough of this nonsense
Go Hwong Tong.
Everybody, shut the hell up
Ni Men Dou Bi Zui.
Everyone in the 'Verse
Tian Xia Suo You De Ren.
Everything under the sky
Tian Shia, can be used to allude to the world or universe.
Excrement
Mi Tian Gohn, slang, derives from the fact that when you stack the three characters - "mi" (rice), "tian" (paddy), and "gohn" (public or mutual) - from top to bottom in that order, they form the ideograph for excrement.
Explosive diahrrea of an elephant
Da Shiong La Se La Ch'Wohn Tian.
Extraordinarily impatient Buddha
Zhen Mei Nai Xin De Fo Zu. (Pronunciation: Jen mei nai-shing duh fwo-tzoo)

F

Fear nothing but (fill in the blank)
Tian Bu Pa, Di Bu Pa, Tze Pa...
Fellow
Ja Hwo, also slang for weapon.
Female companion or girlfriend
Ma Tze, a somewhat derogatory slang; add Dow in front for "looking to get a girlfriend."
Filthy fornicators of livestock
Ung Jeong Jia Ching Jien Soh.
Fire!
Kai Huo (as in shooting), Fuhn Huo (as in starting).
Fire at will or terminate with extreme prejudice
Dai Kai Sa Jeh, meaning "breaking the Buddhist vow against killing."
Flat-chested
Hur Bao Duhn, slang, literally "eggs cooked sunny side up."
Foiled or ruined at the last moment
Soh Ya Feh Tian, expression, literally "a cooked duck flies away."
Fool
Sah Gwa, literally "stupid melonhead."
Friend, pal, buddy
Puhn Yoh.
Frog-humping son of a bitch
Qing Wa Cao De Liu Mang. (Pronunciation: Ching-wah tsao duh liou mahng)
Fuck you. Damn everyone in the 'verse.
Ni Ta Ma De. Tian Xia Suo You De Ren Dou Gai Si.

G

Gang or faction leader
Da Gher Da for male, Da Jeh Da for female, slang.
Garbage
Luh Suh.
Get bold or audacious
Fahn Dahn, literally "release courage."
Get lost
Kwai Jio Kai.
Go all out, hold nothing back
Ping Ming, literally "fight for one's life."
Go far away very fast
Kuai Qu Hen Yuan De Di Fang. (Pronunciation: Kwai chur hun-rien duh di fahng)
Go to hell
Chiu Se, literally "go die."
Good or okay
How.
Good journey or bon voyage
Yi Lu Shwen Fohn.
Good luck
Joo How Rin.
Greetings
Ni How.

H

Handsome
Shwei.
Happy development or fortuitous turn of event
How Shi Sung Chung, literally "a good show's about to start," can be used sarcastically.
Have desires above one's social / financial position, or beyond one's ability to realize
Lai Huh Moh Sheong Tze Tian Uh Zoh, literally "for a toad to think of eating a swan."
He or she
Tah, tah-duh for his or hers, tah-muhn for them, tah-munh-duh for theirs.
Heal
Chou.
Heaven knows what
Tian Xiao De. (Pronunciation: Tyen shiao duh)
Hell
Guai.
Hey
Wai. (Pronunciation: Whay)
Holy testicle Tuesday
Shun Sheng Duh Gao Wahn.
Homewrecking tramp
Hu Li Jing, literally "fox spirit."
How are you?
Ni Hao?
Hump
Gun.
Hurry, speed up
Guhn Kwai.

I

I, or me
Wuo, wuo-duh for mine.
I don't believe my eyes!
Wo Bu Shin Wo Dah Yan Jing.
I neither see nor hear you...
Wuo Dwei Nee Boo Ting Boo Jen.
I will close my ears and my heart and I will be a stone
Wuo Shang Mei Er, Mei Sheen, Byen Shi To.
I/you saw his ghost
Jian Ta De Gui. (Pronunciation: Jien tah duh guay)
Idiot, moron
Buhn Dahn, literally "stupid egg," or Chwen Joo, literally "retarded pig."
Idiots. All of you.
Ni Mun Dou Shi Sa Gua. (Pronunciation: Nee mun doh shr sagwa.)
I'm fucked
Wo Cao.
Impossible
Bu Kuh Nuhn.
Impressive display or visage but no substance
Da Chung Wu Dahn, literally "big gun, no bullet."
In someone's doghouse
Luhn Gohn, literally "a cold palace," which is where an emperor confines those concubines who have fallen out of favor.
In that case, never mind
Nah Mei Guan Shee.
Is that so?/Oh, really?
Shi Ma?

J

Jesus
Yeh Su. (Pronunciation: Yeh-soo)
Junk
Feh Wu. (Pronunciation: Fei-oo)
Just our luck
Zhen Dao Mei. (Pronunciation: Jen dao mei)

K

L

Leader of a criminal operation
Ser Toh, literally "snakehead," derogatory.
Leave one to his own fate
Tze Sh'un Tze Mieh.
Let me repeat myself
Wuo Jai Jeong Yi Chi.
Let's see how we're going to die!
Kan Wo Men Zen Me Si Ba!
Let's take a deep breath.
Yi Chi Shen Hu Xi. (Pronunciation: Ee-chee shung-hoo-shee.)
Life support failure.
Shuhn Ming Shi T'wohn Gu Jong.
Like hell
Jien Ta Duh Guay, literally "see his ghost."
Little brother
Di or Di-Di.
Little sister
Mei or Mei-Mei.
Long time no see
How Joh Bu Jian.
Oh, Lord/Oh, God
Lao Tien Fu. (Pronunciation: Lao tien foo)

M

Male companion or boyfriend
Kai Tze, also a somewhat derogatory slang.
Manipulate, or playing someone for a fool
Swa.
Merciful Buddha protect us
Rung Tse Fwo Tzoo Bao Yo Wuo Muhn.
Merciful God please take me away
Rung Tse Song Di Ching Dai Wuo Tzo.
Merciless hell
Ai Yah Tien Ah.
Mind your own business
Gwon Ni Tze Jee Duh Shr. (Pronunciation: Gwon nee ju jee du shu)
Miss
Shao Jeh, literally "little lady." Follows a name when addressing a known person, so River would be addressed as Tam River shao jeh, or simply Tam shao jeh.
Mister
Shian Shen, literally "born before me," also follows a person's name.
Monkey raping
Cheong Bao Ho Tze.
Monkey's ass
Ho Tze Duh Pi Gu.
Mother of god
Wuh De Ma.
Motherless goat of all motherless goats
Mei Yong Ma Duh Tse Gu Yong.
Muddled, mixed-up, confused
Wu Toh Wu Now, literally "without a head or a brain."
Motherfucker
Ta Ma Duh.
Mother-humping son of a bitch
Ta Ma De Hun Dan.
My ass is fucked
Wo Pi Gu Cao.
My Buddha-ancestor
Wo De Fo Zu.
My wife is not pretty!
Wo Tai Tai Bu Piou Liang.

N

No problem
Mei Wen Ti.
No work (to be found) at all
Me Gong Zuo Dou Mei You.
Nonsense
Fei Hua, literally 'crap talk.'
Not advised
Jwohn Gao Bu Yi.
Not enough
Bu Goh, or Hai Bu Goh for "not enough yet."
Not keeping a rendezvous
Fahn Gher Tze, literally "release a pigeon" but insinuating not picking up the bird at the destination.
Now, immediately, right away
Ma Shong.
Nuts
Shiang Jing Ping or just Shiang Jing; Fuh Shiang Jing for "going nuts."
Nurse (as the profession, not the verb)
Hu Shi.

O

Oddball or a goof
Chai Neow.
Of course
Duhn Ruhn.
Oh Lord, you clearly know I'm helping do your Work, so why do you find me trouble?
Zhu Ah, Ni Ming Ming Zhi Dao Wo Shi Bang Ni Zuo Shi, You He Bi Zhao Wo Ma Fan Ne?
Oh my God
Wou Duh Tian Ah.
Old
Lao.
Old man / husband
Lao Gohn.
Old woman / wife
Lao Puo.
Old friend, you're looking lively.
Lao Peng You, Ni Kan Chi Lai Hen You Jing Shen, literally "Old friend, you're looking full of spirit." (Pronunciation: Lao pung yo nee can chi lai hun yo jing shen.)
One more cup of that brand, please.
Qing Zai Lai Yi Bei Na Kapei.
One must be ruthless to be a great man
Wu Du Bu Juhn Fu, literally "a person without poison is not a great man."
Ordinarily useless
Jing Chang Mei Yong De. (Pronunciation: Jing tzahng mei yong duh)
Outdo someone or doing one better
Dao-Gao-Yee-Chi Moh-Gao-Yee-Juhn, expression, literally "the solution advances a yard, the problem advances a mile."
Over my dead body
Choo fay wuh suh leh.

P

Pal
Lao Sheong if addressee's older, Lao Di if younger; used for men only. P'n Yoh for "friend."
Panda piss
Xiong Mao Niao. (Pronunciation: Shiong mao niao)
Pathetic wretch
Bei Bi Shiou Ren, literally "shameless dirty little person."
Penis
Ji Ba, slang. (Pronunciation: Jee-ba)
Peon, small fry, a nobody
Wu Ming Shao Jwu, literally "nameless little foot soldier."
Prehistoric
Lao Deow Ya, literally "so old as to lose all teeth."
Pig's sty
Joo Fuen Chse.
Pile of sun-baked dog poo
Ri shao gou shi bing.
Piss-soaked pikers
Niao Se Duh Du Gwai.
Piss washed
Xi Niao. (Pronunciation: Shee niao)
Plain, bland, bare
Yong Chwen Mien, slang taken from the namesake generic, flavorless noodle dish.
Please be quiet
Ching Ahn Jing Yi Dien.
Pledge (promise)
Shi Yan.
Pool of excrement
F'n Zse, can be used in an expression for "deep crap."
Pool of pig droppings
Joo Fuen Chse.
Precious, darling, sweetheart, treasure
Bao Bei.
Pretty lady, hire me for the night and I'll open you like a flower...
Piow Liang De Shao Ji, Nee Gu Wuo Hu Nee Shang Hao. Wuh Hwai Rong Nee Shung Kai Roo Hua.
Pretty lady, forget him and hire me...
Piow Liang De Shao Ji, Bu Li Tah, Gu Wo...

Q

R

Real man
Nuhn Tze Huhn.
Really dangerous
Wei Shan, more poetic, Wo Hu Chung Long, which is "crouching tiger, hidden dragon," an expression for something dangerous.
Really is a genius
Zhen De Shi Tian Cai. (Pronunciation: Jen duh sh tyen tsai)
Redundant, unnecessary complicating something
Wua Ser Tian Jwoo, literally "draw a snake and add feet to it."
Remorseless harridan
Bu Hui Hen De Puo Fu. (Pronunciation: Boo hway-hun duh puo-foo)
Retreat, run away
Joi Weh Sung Chiuh, phrase summarizing the last of the Chinese "36 Stratagems," which extols the virtue of fleeing to fight another day.
Ridiculously strange, illogical or nonsensical
Mo Min Chi Meow, literally "not understanding the peculiarity."
Ruined, finished
Wan Duhn Luh.
Ruthless or savage beast of a person
Ching Soh.

S

Screw him/her running
Gun Ta Jwo Lu.
Screw you
Chwee Ni Duh, literally "eat yours."
Shameless hussy
Meh Lien Duh Jyah Jee, literally "faceless bastard prostitute."
Shiny, awesome, fantastic
Jahn!
Shit on my head
Ai Ya Jwai Leh.
Shit talk
Da Bian Hua.
Shut up
Bi Jweh.
Shut up and make us wealthy
Bi Jweh, Lung Wuo Mun Fah Tsai.
Shut up, you inconsiderate schoolboys
Bi Jweh Nein Hen Bu Tee Tyeh Duh Nan Shung.
Sir
Da Yeh. When used as a nobility, Nuhu Jwei following the name.
Smelled a fart
Wen Gua Pi. (Pronunciation: Wun gwa pee)
So guilty as to deserve a thousand deaths
Jwei Gai Won Se.
Soldier, fighter, warrior
Zhan Shi.
Son of a bitch
Wong Ba Duhn, or Go Neong Yung Duh for a more literal and vicious translation.
Son of a drooling whore and a monkey
Liu Kou Shui De Biao Zi He Hou Zi De Er Zi. (Pronunciation: Liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze duh ur-tze)
Speak now and quickly
Yo Hua Kwai Suo.
Speaking without a clue
Shiah Hwa, literally "blind talk."
Stop talking
Joo Koh.
Stuff all the planets in the universe into my ass
Tai Kong Suo You Di Xing Qui Dou Sai Jin Wo De Pi Gu. (Pronunciation: Tai-kong suo-yo duh shing-chiou doh sai-jin wuh dhu pee-goo.)
Stupid
Yu Bun Duh.
Stupid inbred stack of meat
Ben Tian Sheng De Yi Dui Rou. (Pronunciation: Bun tyen-shung duh ee-dway-ro)
Stupid son of a drooling whore and monkey
Lio Coh Jwei Ji Neong Hur Ho Deh Yung Duh Buhn Jah J'wohn.
Suicidal idea
Tze sah ju yi.
Surrender, give up
Toh Shung.
Swindle
Gwai.

T

Take care, stay healthy
Bao Jone, literally "maintain weight."
Talk nonsense
Shia Suo.
Thank you
Sheh Sheh.
That has nothing to do with it
Na Mei Guan Xi. (Pronunciation: Nah mei guan shee)
There's nothing about this plan that isn't horrific!
Juh Guh Jee Hua Juhn Kuh Pah!
Things never go smooth
How W'rin Bu Lai, Whai W'rin Bu Jwo.
This really is a happy holiday
Zhe Zhen Shi Ge Kuai Le De Jing Zhang. (Pronunciation: Juh jen sh guh kwai luh duh jean jan)
To throw in a monkeywrench
Gwai Ma Jeow, literally "twist a horse's legs (while it's galloping)."
Trouble, problem, complication
Ma Fuhn.
Tyrant, iron-fisted ruler
Ba Wong.

U

Ugly or perverted person
Joo Bah Jeh, insult taken from the name of the hoggish, lecherous character in the popular Chinese folktale, "Journey to the West."
Understand
Dohn, dohn-ma for "understand?", dohn-luh-mah for "are we clear here?"
Urine
Niao.

V

Very
Feh Chun.

W

Wait / hold on a second
D'un Yi Shia.
Warning someone against doing things "the hard way"
Jin Joh Bu Chi Chi Fah Joh, literally "choosing to sip the wine of penalty over that of respect."
Water
Swei.
We, us
Wuo Mun, Wuo Mun Duh for ours.
We will enjoy your silence now
Bai Tuo, Uhn Jin Tee Dien.
Weak-ass sauce
Lan Dan Jiang.
We're in big trouble
Ai Ya Wo Mun Wan Leh.
What
Shuh Muh?
What the hell is this crap?
Juh Shi Suh Mo Go Dohng Shee?

X

Y

Yeah, right
Cai Bu Shi.
Yes
Shi.
You
Ni, ni-duh for yours, ni-muhn for plural, ni-muhn-duh for plural possessive.
You don't deserve it
Ni Bu Ying Duh Jur Guh.
You wanna bullet right in your throat?
Nee Yow Wuo Kai Chiung?
You wanna die?
Nee Tzao Se Mah?
Young lady
Xiao Mei Mei.
Young one
Nyen Ching Duh, or Yo Chr, slang for underaged (literally "infant teeth.")
You're crazy
Fa Kuang.
You're hurt
Ni Shou Shang Le.
You're mad
Fa Feng.

Z