duk6 sing3讀勝读胜
Jyutpingduk6 sing3
Yaleduhk sing
Definition
To study or read books; a euphemism used by gamblers because the word for book is homophonous with 'lose'.
colloquialschoolslang
How it's used
Gamblers in Hong Kong traditionally avoid the word 書 because it sounds exactly like 輸, which means to lose money. Replacing it with 勝, meaning to win, turns a potentially unlucky word into a lucky one. This is a classic example of linguistic taboo in Cantonese culture, where people actively manipulate vocabulary to invite good fortune.
Examples
He is always busy studying and refuses to go gamble.
Related words
Common phrases
to study books
Common mistake
Do not use this word in formal academic or professional settings, as it will sound bizarre or confusing to anyone not familiar with gambling slang. It is strictly a colloquial euphemism used to avoid the bad luck associated with the sound of 輸.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
