caau2 haa1 caak3 haai5炒蝦拆蟹炒虾拆蟹
Jyutpingcaau2 haa1 caak3 haai5
Yalecháau hā chaak háaih
Definition
To use bad language or swear.
colloquialcommunicationslang
How it's used
This idiom functions as a euphemism for swearing, acting as a polite way to describe someone who is using vulgar language. It originates from the practice of using symbols like fish, prawn, and crab in newspapers to censor offensive words. Using this phrase allows you to comment on someone's foul language without repeating the actual profanity yourself.
Examples
He starts swearing as soon as he loses money, which is very bad manners.
If you swear at home, your mother will scold you when she hears it.
Related words
Common phrases
always swearing
to be in the middle of swearing
Common mistake
Do not mistake this for a literal cooking instruction. It is strictly an idiomatic expression for verbal abuse or swearing, and using it in a culinary context will cause confusion.
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.
