My Hong Kong | Hong Kong’s fascination with ghosts and woks shows Cantonese can be a lot more subtle than we think
- The words can be used in a dazzling array of combinations that allow humour to take the sting out of rudeness, and ‘gwei’, or ghost, is not always negative
- It would not be an exaggeration to say that a wok is as essential a cookware in Chinese culture as it is in daily local conversations
The common Cantonese slang gweilo literally means “ghost man” and Hongkongers often use this phrase to describe a foreigner, especially a Westerner. Although it has been generally accepted into the local vernacular, it still sparks interesting conversations as to whether the term is endearing.
Whether you think the word is offensive to some degree, many, including the receiver of this quirky address, feel it is indeed one of endearment and generally consider it an acceptable generic slang to describe Westerners.
To Hongkongers, gwei means more than just ghosts, spirits, or mysterious beings. It is also used to describe objects or phenomena that are supernatural. In other words, the term does not tend to attract negative connotations. This means that using gwei in everyday conversations is pretty common, sometimes with humorous effects.
For example, calling someone gwei mah, which directly translates as “ghost horse”, means that they are interesting and unpredictable in a complimentary way.
One adverb that is often used in Cantonese is gwei gam, which means very, absolutely or extremely. Hongkongers love to use gwei gam as an adjective.
For example, saying someone is gwei gam leng means they are extremely beautiful. If someone is gwei gam lek it means they are super smart, clever, or highly competent. Or, if you want to say that something is super cheap, then it’s gwei gam peng.
And sometimes calling someone a “bad ghost” or seoi gwei in Cantonese is a way to describe an inauspicious or despicable person in something of a more affectionate and light way to lessen the blow.