baan6 saai3 jyu4 haa1 haai5扮晒魚蝦蟹扮晒鱼虾蟹

Jyutpingbaan6 saai3 jyu4 haa1 haai5

Yalebaahn saai yùh hā háaih

動詞

Definition

To act as if one is very powerful, important, or influential; to behave pretentiously.

colloquialpeopleslang

How it's used

This idiom uses the imagery of seafood like fish, shrimp, and crabs to describe someone who is putting on a show of authority or importance. It is specifically used to call out people who are posturing or acting arrogant to impress others. The phrase is highly informal and carries a strong sense of mockery or dismissal toward the person being described.

Examples

keoi5佢sing4成jat6日baan6扮saai3晒jyu4魚haa1蝦haai5蟹，kei4其sat6實mou5冇liu2料dou3到。

He always acts like a big shot, but he actually has no substance.

nei5你sai2使mat1乜baan6扮saai3晒jyu4魚haa1蝦haai5蟹aa3呀？daai6大gaa1家pang4朋jau5友ze1啫。

Why do you need to act so pretentious? We are all friends here.

Common phrases

baan6扮saai3晒jyu4魚haa1蝦haai5蟹gam3咁

acting all high and mighty

Common mistake

Do not use this phrase to describe someone who is genuinely powerful or successful, as it specifically targets those who are faking their status or acting pompous. It is an insult, so using it in a professional setting or toward a superior will likely be perceived as rude or confrontational.