coeng3 seoi1唱衰
Jyutpingcoeng3 seoi1
Yalecheung sēui
Definition
To defame, badmouth, or ruin the reputation of someone, a place, or an organization by spreading rumors.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Focuses on the act of actively damaging a reputation through persistent negative talk or gossip. It implies a deliberate effort to lower public opinion of a person, business, or even a city. The term is highly evaluative and carries a strong sense of disapproval toward the speaker's malicious intent.
Examples
He is always badmouthing the company behind its back, it is really classless.
Why do you have to go around badmouthing someone else's shop?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply complaining or criticizing someone. It specifically implies a malicious intent to ruin a reputation, making it much stronger than just saying something negative.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
