duk6 waai6 si1 syu1 baau1 waai6 goek3讀壞詩書包壞腳读坏诗书包坏脚
Jyutpingduk6 waai6 si1 syu1 baau1 waai6 goek3
Yaleduhk waaih sī syū bāau waaih geuk
Definition
Stubbornly sticking to outworn rules and ideas; pedantic or hypocritical despite being educated.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom is a colorful, slightly cynical way to criticize someone for being pedantic or blinded by outdated academic knowledge. It implies that the person has become useless or impractical because they are too obsessed with book learning that does not apply to the real world. You will mostly hear it used by older generations to mock someone who refuses to adapt to modern circumstances.
Examples
He is so stuck in his old ways, he won't listen no matter what I say.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in a formal or professional setting as it is quite critical and can sound insulting. It is specifically meant to target someone's lack of common sense or flexibility, not just their intelligence.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
