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+ | {| align="right" |
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− | '''Basic Rim World Speech''' |
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+ | | __TOC__ |
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+ | |} |
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+ | ==Rim world speech== |
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− | + | * Truncate the "g" for "ing" words ("schoolin'") |
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− | + | * Pepper with slang adjectives. |
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− | + | * Double negatives. ("It don't mean nothin' out here.") |
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− | + | * Using odd words and word forms in phrases. |
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− | + | * Use "don't" instead of "doesn't." |
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− | + | * Ain't. |
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− | + | * Odd Words: druther, yonder, dang, plumb, right smart. |
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− | + | * Prefixing on "-ing" ("a-runnin'"). |
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− | + | * No ''-ly'' on adverbs. ("She described the plan real simple. That job's awful hard to do.") |
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− | + | * Subject and verb don't match. ("We was goin' there. He got none of that.") |
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− | + | * 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.") |
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− | ''A few examples...'' |
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+ | ====A few examples...==== |
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− | -- "Looks like we got us some imminent violence." |
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+ | * "Looks like we got us some imminent violence." |
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− | + | * "We got no short of ugly ridin' in on us." |
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− | + | * "I'm just feeling kind of truthsome right now." |
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− | + | * "We're in some peril here." |
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− | + | * "We just need a small crew, them as feel the need to be free." |
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− | + | * "This here's a recipe for unpleasantness." |
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− | + | * "I'm shocked my own self." |
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− | + | * "We'll be there directly." |
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− | + | * "But she does have an oddness to her." |
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+ | ==Slang== |
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− | '''Slang: Frontier Life''' |
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+ | ===Frontier life=== |
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− | '''All-fired:''' Completely. ("Where'd she go gettin' all-fired jealous 'bout this?") |
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+ | ; All-fired |
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+ | : Completely. ("Where'd she go gettin' all-fired jealous 'bout this?") |
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− | + | ; Awful, Dreadful, Mighty, Plumb, Powerful |
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+ | : Adjectives for emphasis. ("Gettin' awful crowded in my sky.") |
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+ | ; Bang-up |
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− | '''Bang-up:''' Great. ("They did a bang-up job.") |
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+ | : Great. ("They did a bang-up job.") |
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− | + | ; Bughouse |
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+ | : Mental hospital. |
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+ | ; Git |
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− | '''Git:''' Go away. |
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+ | : Go away. |
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+ | ; Ornery |
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− | '''Ornery:''' Stubborn, not passive. |
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+ | : Stubborn, not passive. |
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+ | ; Peck |
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− | '''Peck:''' A large amount. |
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+ | : A large amount. |
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− | + | ; Preacher |
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+ | : Anyone religious. |
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− | + | ; Run afoul |
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+ | : To get into trouble with. |
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+ | ; Shindig |
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− | '''Shindig:''' A party, usually with dancing. |
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+ | : A party, usually with dancing. |
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+ | ; Shiny |
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− | '''Shiny:''' Good or valuable. |
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+ | : Good or valuable. |
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+ | ; Size someone up |
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− | '''Size someone up:''' Judge how tough they are or what their intentions might be. |
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+ | : Judge how tough they are or what their intentions might be. |
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+ | ; Tetchy |
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− | '''Tetchy:''' Sensitive or complaining. |
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+ | : Sensitive or complaining. |
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− | + | ===Spacefaring=== |
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+ | ; Atmo |
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+ | : Atmosphere, as in to "leave atmo." |
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+ | ; The black |
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− | '''Atmo:''' Atmosphere, as in to "leave atmo." |
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+ | : Space. |
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+ | ; Clean your housing |
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− | '''The black:''' Space. |
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+ | : To give a thorough beating (as in a spaceship's engine housing). |
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+ | ; Feds, Federals |
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− | '''Clean your housing:''' To give a thorough beating (as in a spaceship's engine housing). |
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+ | : Members of the Alliance, its military, law enforcement, or functionaries. |
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+ | ; Go to blackout |
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− | '''Feds, Federals:''' Members of the Alliance, its military, law enforcement, or functionaries. |
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+ | : Shut down power on the ship to avoid detection. |
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+ | ; On the drift |
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− | '''Go to blackout:''' Shut down power on the ship to avoid detection. |
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+ | : In space without fuel unable to travel. |
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+ | ; Reavers |
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− | '''On the drift:''' In space without fuel unable to travel. |
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+ | : Madmen who live on the edges of civilized space, flying dangerous ships and preying on other space vessels. |
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+ | ; The Rim |
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− | '''Reavers:''' Madmen who live on the edges of civilized space, flying dangerous ships and preying on other space vessels. |
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+ | : Frontier planets, not the core. |
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+ | ; The 'Verse |
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− | '''The Rim:''' Frontier planets, not the core. |
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+ | : Inhabited space or the universe. |
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+ | ; Being buzzed |
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− | '''The 'Verse:''' Inhabited space or the universe. |
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+ | : Sensors from another ship are actively sweeping you. |
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+ | ===Underworld=== |
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− | '''Being buzzed:''' Sensors from another ship are actively sweeping you. |
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+ | ; Doxy |
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+ | : Prostitute. |
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+ | ; Drops |
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− | '''Slang: Underworld''' |
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+ | : Illegal, addictive, narcotic drugs. |
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+ | ; Second story job |
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− | '''Doxy:''' Prostitute. |
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+ | : Breaking and entering robbery. |
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+ | ; Scratch |
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− | '''Drops:''' Illegal, addictive, narcotic drugs. |
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+ | : Valuables. |
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+ | ; The goods |
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− | '''Second story job:''' Breaking and entering robbery. |
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+ | : Loot. |
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+ | ; Went south |
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− | '''Scratch:''' Valuables. |
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+ | : Problems appeared, the plan fell apart. |
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+ | ; Tonic |
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− | '''The goods:''' Loot. |
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+ | : Amateur or illegal alcoholic drink. |
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+ | ; Bushwhack |
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− | '''Went south:''' Problems appeared, the plan fell apart. |
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+ | : Ambush. |
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+ | ; Footpad |
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− | '''Tonic:''' Amateur or illegal alcoholic drink. |
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+ | : Pickpocket thief in a town. |
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+ | ; Hornswoggle |
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− | '''Bushwhack:''' Ambush. |
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+ | : To trick someone. |
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+ | ; On the dodge |
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− | '''Footpad:''' Pickpocket thief in a town. |
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+ | : Wanted by the police. |
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+ | ===Technical=== |
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− | '''Hornswoggle:''' To trick someone. |
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+ | ; Advocate |
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+ | : A lawyer. |
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+ | ; Cortex |
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− | '''On the dodge:''' Wanted by the police. |
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+ | : Widespread information network. |
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+ | ; Genseed |
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− | '''Slang: Technical''' |
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+ | : Genetically engineered crop seeds used on freshly terraformed worlds. |
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+ | ; Skyplex |
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− | '''Advocate:''' A lawyer. |
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+ | : Orbital city or space station. |
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+ | ; Wave |
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− | '''Cortex:''' Widespread information network. |
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+ | : A communication: text, audio, video, or holographic. |
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− | |||
− | '''Genseed:''' Genetically engineered crop seeds used on freshly terraformed worlds. |
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− | |||
− | '''Skyplex:''' Orbital city or space station. |
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− | |||
− | '''Wave:''' A communication: text, audio, video, or holographic. |
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− | |||
− | '''Chinese Phrases''' |
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+ | ==Chinese phrases== |
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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. |
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− | Words and phrases became further |
+ | 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'' |
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+ | :Like a True Spacer |
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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. |
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+ | ===A=== |
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− | ~'''''A'''''~ |
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+ | ; A big pile of shit |
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− | |||
− | + | : ''Yi Da Tuo Da Bian.'' |
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− | |||
− | A switch to those girls' backsides is just good enough: ''Byen Dah Tah Muhn Dug Bay Jo Go Lai.'' |
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− | |||
− | Abracadabra-alakazam: ''Tian-Ling-Ling, Di-Ling-Ling.'' |
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− | |||
− | Accusing someone of lying, a ridiculous notion, or talking out of one's ass: ''Fuhn Pi'', literally "farting." |
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− | |||
− | Agitate someone out of hiding: ''Da Chow Jing Ser'', literally "beating the grass to startle the snake." |
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− | |||
− | Alas, not good, what a mess, too bad: ''Jao Gao'', literally "spoiled cake." |
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− | |||
− | All that's proper: ''Suoyou De Dou Shidang.'' (Pronunciation: Suo-yo duh doh shr-dang) |
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− | |||
− | Alliance: ''Nien Mohn.'' |
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− | |||
− | Are we clear here?: ''Dohn luh mah.'' |
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− | |||
− | Asshole: ''Fang Pi.'' |
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− | |||
− | Ass, bottom, posterior: ''Pi Gu.'' (Pronunciation: Pee-goo) |
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− | |||
− | 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. |
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− | |||
− | Awesome or extraordinarily clever: ''Gao Guhn'', literally "high pole." |
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− | |||
− | ~'''''B'''''~ |
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− | |||
− | Baboon's ass crack: ''Feh Feh Pi Goh.'' |
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− | |||
− | Bastard, jerk: ''Huen Dahn'', literally "rotten egg." (Pronunciation: Hwoon Dahn) |
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− | |||
− | 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. |
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− | |||
− | Big brother: ''Ghuh'' or ''Ghuh-Ghuh'', the former is more intimate and connotes blood relation. |
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− | |||
− | Big change: ''Da Bianhua.'' |
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− | |||
− | Big sister: ''Jei'' or ''Jei-Jei.'' |
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− | |||
− | Big stupid pile of stinking meat: ''Yi Dwei Da Buen Chuo Roh.'' |
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− | |||
− | Blessings on you, dear sister: ''Zhufu Ni'', ''Mei-Mei''. (Pronunciation: Tzoo-foo nee, mei-mei.) |
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+ | ; A switch to those girls' backsides is just good enough |
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− | Blindside or conspire against someone secretly: ''Fuhn Leong Jian'', literally "shoot a cold arrow." |
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+ | : ''Byen Dah Tah Muhn Dug Bay Jo Go Lai.'' |
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+ | ; Abracadabra-alakazam |
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− | Bottoms up: ''Gon Beh'', literally "dry cup." |
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+ | : ''Tian-Ling-Ling, Di-Ling-Ling.'' |
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+ | ; Accusing someone of lying, a ridiculous notion, or talking out of one's ass |
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− | Brilliant: ''Jing Chai.'' |
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+ | : ''Fuhn Pi'', literally "farting." |
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+ | ; Agitate someone out of hiding |
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− | Browncoat: (slang for soldiers of Independent) ''Jone Yee.'' |
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+ | : ''Da Chow Jing Ser'', literally "beating the grass to startle the snake." |
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+ | ; Alas, not good, what a mess, too bad |
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− | ~'''''C'''''~ |
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+ | : ''Jao Gao'', literally "spoiled cake." |
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+ | ; All that's proper |
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− | Cheap floozy: ''Jien Huo.'' |
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+ | : ''Suoyou De Dou Shidang.'' (Pronunciation: Suo-yo duh doh shr-dang) |
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+ | ; Alliance |
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− | Check at once: ''Ma Shong Jien Cha.'' |
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+ | : ''Nien Mohn.'' |
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+ | ; Are we clear here? |
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− | Cheering or urging someone on: ''Jah Yoh,'' literally "add fuel," equivalent of "go (name)!" in English. |
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+ | : ''Dohn luh mah.'' |
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+ | ; Asshole |
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− | Choose the wrong method to handle a situation: ''Bao Xin Jiu Huo'', literally "bring wood to put out a fire." |
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+ | : ''Fang Pi.'' |
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+ | ; Ass, bottom, posterior |
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− | Come in: ''Ching Jin.'' |
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+ | : ''Pi Gu.'' (Pronunciation: Pee-goo) |
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+ | ; Attributing an unfortunate longshot occurrence |
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− | Commit blunder of great magnitude: ''Bie Woo Lohng.'' |
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+ | : ''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. |
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+ | ; Awesome or extraordinarily clever |
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− | Complete disarray or sheer pandemonium: ''Tian Fuhn Di Fu'', literally "sky tumbles while earth turns over." |
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+ | : ''Gao Guhn'', literally "high pole." |
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+ | ===B=== |
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− | Completely useless: ''Tian Di Wu Yohn.'' |
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+ | ; Baboon's ass crack |
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+ | : ''Feh Feh Pi Goh.'' |
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+ | ; Bastard, jerk |
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− | Congratulations: ''Gohn Shi.'' |
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+ | : ''Huen Dahn'', literally "rotten egg." (Pronunciation: Hwoon Dahn) |
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+ | ; Big boss or operator of a business |
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− | Conniving or scheming person: ''Guay Toh Guay Nown'', literally "ghost head and ghost brain." |
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+ | : ''Lao Buhn''; ''Lao Buhn Ni'un'' for female boss or proprietor's wife. Also informal appellation for acquaintances. |
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+ | ; Big brother |
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− | Cool: ''Ku.'' |
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+ | : ''Ghuh'' or ''Ghuh-Ghuh'', the former is more intimate and connotes blood relation. |
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+ | ; Big change |
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− | Oh, crap: ''Tzao Gao.'' |
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+ | : ''Da Bianhua.'' |
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+ | ; Big sister |
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− | Crap, shit: ''Go se.'' |
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+ | : ''Jei'' or ''Jei-Jei.'' |
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+ | ; Big stupid pile of stinking meat |
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− | Crazy: ''Feng Le'' (Pronunciation: Fong luh) |
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+ | : ''Yi Dwei Da Buen Chuo Roh.'' |
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+ | ; Blessings on you, dear sister |
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− | Crazy dog in love with its own feces: ''Ai Chr Jze Se Duh Fohn Diang Gho.'' |
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+ | : ''Zhufu Ni'', ''Mei-Mei''. (Pronunciation: Tzoo-foo nee, mei-mei.) |
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+ | ; Blindside or conspire against someone secretly |
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− | Cursing: ''Ma Jung Hwa'', literally "chastise with dirty words." |
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+ | : ''Fuhn Leong Jian'', literally "shoot a cold arrow." |
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+ | ; Bottoms up |
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− | Cute: ''Kuh Ai.'' |
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+ | : ''Gon Beh'', literally "dry cup." |
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+ | ; Brilliant |
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− | ~'''''D'''''~ |
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+ | : ''Jing Chai.'' |
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+ | ; Browncoat: (slang for soldiers of Independent) ''Jone Yee.'' |
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− | Damn or damn it: ''Ta Ma Duh'' (literally "his mother's..."), ''Gai Si, Ai Ya.'' |
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+ | ===C=== |
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− | Dangerous person or animal: ''Wei Shian Dohn Woo.'' |
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+ | ; Cheap floozy |
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+ | : ''Jien Huo.'' |
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+ | ; Check at once |
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− | Dangly piece of flesh: ''Zhan Dou De Yi Kuai Rou.'' (Pronunciation: Jan-doh duh ee-kwai-ro) |
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+ | : ''Ma Shong Jien Cha.'' |
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+ | ; Cheering or urging someone on |
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− | Daydream or wishful thinking: ''Bai Lih Mohn.'' |
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+ | : ''Jah Yoh,'' literally "add fuel," equivalent of "go (name)!" in English. |
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+ | ; Choose the wrong method to handle a situation |
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− | Dear god in heaven: ''Wo De Tian A.'' (Pronunciation: Wuh de tyen ah). |
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+ | : ''Bao Xin Jiu Huo'', literally "bring wood to put out a fire." |
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+ | ; Come in |
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− | Demon woman: ''Yao Nu.'' |
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+ | : ''Ching Jin.'' |
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+ | ; Commit blunder of great magnitude |
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− | Deserving of bad consequence or fate: ''Hwo Gai.'' |
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+ | : ''Bie Woo Lohng.'' |
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+ | ; Complete disarray or sheer pandemonium |
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− | Despicable: ''Kuh Wu.'' |
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+ | : ''Tian Fuhn Di Fu'', literally "sky tumbles while earth turns over." |
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+ | ; Completely useless |
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− | Dirty bastard sons-of--: ''Wang Ba Dan.'' (Pronunciation: Wang bao dahn). |
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+ | : ''Tian Di Wu Yohn.'' |
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+ | ; Congratulations |
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− | Do something for nothing in return, or wasted endeavour without a payoff: ''Yee Yan'', literally "a charity show." |
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+ | : ''Gohn Shi.'' |
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+ | ; Conniving or scheming person |
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− | Dog-fucking: ''Gou cao de.'' (Pronunciation: Go tsao de) |
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+ | : ''Guay Toh Guay Nown'', literally "ghost head and ghost brain." |
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+ | ; Cool |
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− | Done for or imminent doom: ''Wong Dahn'', literally "finished (cooked) egg." |
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+ | : ''Ku.'' |
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+ | ; Oh, crap |
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− | Don't worry: ''Fang Xin.'' (Pronunciation: Fahng-sheen) |
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+ | : ''Tzao Gao.'' |
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+ | ; Crap, shit |
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− | Down payment: ''Shi Yan.'' |
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+ | : ''Go se.'' |
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+ | ; Crazy |
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− | Dumbass: ''Chwen'', descriptive, literally "retarded." |
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+ | : ''Feng Le'' (Pronunciation: Fong luh) |
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+ | ; Crazy dog in love with its own feces |
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− | ~'''''E'''''~ |
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+ | : ''Ai Chr Jze Se Duh Fohn Diang Gho.'' |
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+ | ; Cursing |
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− | Earthshaking: ''Jing Tian Dwohn Di'', literally "startle the sky and shake the earth." |
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+ | : ''Ma Jung Hwa'', literally "chastise with dirty words." |
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+ | ; Cute |
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− | Engage in a feces-hurling contest with a monkey: ''G'en Ho Tze Bi Dio Se'' (Pronunciation: Gun hoe-tze bee dio-se) |
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+ | : ''Kuh Ai.'' |
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+ | ===D=== |
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− | Enough of this nonsense: ''Go Hwong Tong.'' |
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+ | ; Damn or damn it |
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+ | : ''Ta Ma Duh'' (literally "his mother's..."), ''Gai Si, Ai Ya.'' |
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+ | ; Dangerous person or animal |
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− | Everybody, shut the hell up: ''Ni Men Dou Bi Zui.'' |
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+ | : ''Wei Shian Dohn Woo.'' |
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+ | ; Dangly piece of flesh |
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− | Everyone in the 'Verse: ''Tian Xia Suo You De Ren.'' |
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+ | : ''Zhan Dou De Yi Kuai Rou.'' (Pronunciation: Jan-doh duh ee-kwai-ro) |
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+ | ; Daydream or wishful thinking |
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− | Everything under the sky: ''Tian Shia'', can be used to allude to the world or universe. |
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+ | : ''Bai Lih Mohn.'' |
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+ | ; Dear god in heaven |
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− | 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. |
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+ | : ''Wo De Tian A.'' (Pronunciation: Wuh de tyen ah). |
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+ | ; Demon woman |
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− | Explosive diahrrea of an elephant: ''Da Shiong La Se La Ch'Wohn Tian.'' |
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+ | : ''Yao Nu.'' |
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+ | ; Deserving of bad consequence or fate |
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− | Extraordinarily impatient Buddha: ''Zhen Mei Nai Xin De Fo Zu.'' (Pronunciation: Jen mei nai-shing duh fwo-tzoo) |
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+ | : ''Hwo Gai.'' |
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+ | ; Despicable |
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− | ~'''''F'''''~ |
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+ | : ''Kuh Wu.'' |
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+ | ; Dirty bastard sons-of-- |
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− | Fear nothing but (fill in the blank): ''Tian Bu Pa, Di Bu Pa, Tze Pa...'' |
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+ | : ''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. |
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+ | : ''Yee Yan'', literally "a charity show." |
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+ | ; Dog-fucking |
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− | Female companion or girlfriend: ''Ma Tze'', a somewhat derogatory slang; add ''Dow'' in front for "looking to get a girlfriend." |
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+ | : ''Gou cao de.'' (Pronunciation: Go tsao de) |
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+ | ; Done for or imminent doom |
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− | Filthy fornicators of livestock: ''Ung Jeong Jia Ching Jien Soh.'' |
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+ | : ''Wong Dahn'', literally "finished (cooked) egg." |
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+ | ; Don't worry |
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− | Fire!: ''Kai Huo'' (as in shooting), ''Fuhn Huo'' (as in starting). |
||
+ | : ''Fang Xin.'' (Pronunciation: Fahng-sheen) |
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+ | ; Down payment |
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− | Fire at will or terminate with extreme prejudice: ''Dai Kai Sa Jeh'', meaning "breaking the Buddhist vow against killing." |
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+ | : ''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 |
+ | ; You don't deserve it |
+ | : ''Ni Bu Ying Duh Jur Guh.'' |
||
− | You wanna bullet right in your throat? |
+ | ; You wanna bullet right in your throat? |
+ | : ''Nee Yow Wuo Kai Chiung?'' |
||
− | You wanna die? |
+ | ; You wanna die? |
+ | : ''Nee Tzao Se Mah?'' |
||
− | Young lady |
+ | ; 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 |
+ | ; You're crazy |
+ | : ''Fa Kuang.'' |
||
− | You're hurt |
+ | ; You're hurt |
+ | : ''Ni Shou Shang Le.'' |
||
− | You're mad |
+ | ; 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.