ceoi4 fu3 gaak3 zaa1除褲隔渣除裤隔渣
Jyutpingceoi4 fu3 gaak3 zaa1
Yalechèuih fu gaak jā
Definition
To be extremely stingy, doing something redundant or unnecessary in order to save money.
colloquialmoneypeople
How it's used
This idiom vividly depicts someone who goes to absurd lengths to save money, literally suggesting someone would take off their pants just to filter out dregs. It carries a strong sense of mockery and is used to criticize people who are excessively petty or miserly over trivial amounts. It is much more colorful and aggressive than simply calling someone stingy.
Examples
He is extremely stingy; he won't even spend a few dollars to buy someone a drink.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal settings or when speaking to someone you do not know well, as it is a harsh insult that attacks a person's character. It is strictly reserved for informal, critical remarks among friends or acquaintances.
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.
