baau3 laang5爆冷
Jyutpingbaau3 laang5
Yalebaau láahng
Definition
To produce an unexpected result; to win against the odds.
colloquialsportsother
How it's used
Originating from horse racing terminology, this term describes an underdog victory where the outcome defies the betting odds. It is frequently used in sports, elections, or any competitive context where a clear favorite loses to an unexpected opponent. The term carries a sense of surprise and excitement regarding the reversal of fortune.
Examples
I didn't expect them to pull off an upset and win this match.
Do you think they have a chance to cause an upset this time?
Related words
Common phrases
to cause an upset
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a simple surprise or a sudden change of plans. It specifically requires a competitive framework where there is a clear favorite and an underdog.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
