cung1 daai6 tau4 gwai2充大頭鬼充大头鬼
Jyutpingcung1 daai6 tau4 gwai2
Yalechūng daaih tàuh gwái
Definition
To pretend to be a big shot; to show off and act grand.
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of disapproval or mockery, describing someone who spends beyond their means or boasts to maintain a false image of wealth or status. It is often used to criticize people who are insecure about their social standing and feel the need to impress others through superficial displays. The imagery of the big-head ghost suggests a bloated, unnatural appearance that is easily seen through by others.
Examples
He clearly has no money, yet he still pretends to be a big shot to treat others to dinner.
Don't try to act like a big shot; it's most important to act within your means.
Related words
Common phrases
stubbornly pretending to be a big shot
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply being generous or showing off, but it specifically implies a lack of actual resources or ability to back up the behavior. It is not used for someone who is genuinely wealthy and likes to show it.
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.
