diu3 ji4 long4 dong1吊兒郎當吊儿郎当
Jyutpingdiu3 ji4 long4 dong1
Yalediu yìh lòhng dōng
Definition
Sloppy, careless, or having a devil-may-care and flippant attitude.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes someone who lacks focus or discipline, often appearing lazy or indifferent toward responsibilities. It is frequently used to criticize a person's lack of seriousness in professional or academic settings. The tone is disapproving and implies that the person is wasting time or not taking their life goals seriously.
Examples
He is always so sloppy, how can I entrust him with work?
Stop being so flippant, be serious and get to work.
Related words
Common phrases
always being sloppy
a flippant attitude
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective describing someone who is just relaxed or calm, but it carries a strong negative connotation of being irresponsible or unreliable.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
