caat3 haai4 zai2擦鞋仔
Jyutpingcaat3 haai4 zai2
Yalechaat hàaih jái
Definition
An ass-kisser, sycophant, or brown-noser; literally a shoe-shine boy.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This term carries a strong negative connotation and is used to mock someone who flatters others for personal gain. While it literally refers to a shoe-shiner, the metaphorical usage is deeply embedded in office culture and social hierarchies. It is often used to describe someone who lacks integrity and prioritizes pleasing superiors over honest work.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is always acting like an ass-kisser, hoping the boss will give him a raise.
Stop being such a suck-up, it is really embarrassing.
Related words
Common phrases
specializes in being a suck-up
what a total ass-kisser
Common mistake
Do not use this term in a professional or formal setting, as it is highly insulting and can lead to serious interpersonal conflict. It is strictly for informal, private conversations among peers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
