'Hongkonger' makes it to world stage with place in the Oxford English Dictionary

Hong Kong's local identity has been recognised on the world stage, with the words Hongkonger and Hong Kongese added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Publisher Oxford University Press has also added a new sub-entry for Hong Kong Chinese in its latest quarterly update.

According to the dictionary, both Hongkonger and Hong Kongese refer to "a native or inhabitant of Hong Kong", while the latter can also be used as an adjective to describe matters related to the city or its inhabitants.

The additions come amid growing anti-mainland sentiment in the city - aimed both at Beijing, for its role in the city's political life, and tourists, who some Hongkongers say are overwhelming its infrastructure.

"The inclusion of Hongkonger and Hong Kongese in the dictionary is definitely prompted by the city's 'anti-mainlandisation' campaign which has raised international attention over the past years," said Civic Party lawmaker Claudia Mo Man-ching.

"We are trying to differentiate ourselves from mainlanders - not just the people are different, but also our cultural spirit and political identity," she added.