fei4 zai2 seoi2肥仔水
Jyutpingfei4 zai2 seoi2
Yalefèih jái séui
Definition
Gripe water, a remedy for infants' stomach discomfort; also used colloquially for sugary drinks.
- gripe water, a liquid medicine used to soothe colic and stomach pain in babies
- slangbeverages with high sugar content, such as soda
colloquialhealthfamily
How it's used
Despite the name literally translating to fat boy water, it is strictly a medicinal term for gripe water. It is a classic household remedy that many parents in Hong Kong have relied on for generations to soothe infants with colic or gas. Because it often contains sugar and sometimes trace amounts of alcohol, modern pediatricians sometimes advise caution or suggest alternatives.
Measure word
zi1支jīExamples
The kid is crying so hard, does he need some gripe water?
You really must keep a bottle of gripe water at home just in case.
Common phrases
to take gripe water
to buy a bottle of gripe water
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with sugary soft drinks or energy drinks, even though the name sounds like a nickname for a sweet beverage. It is specifically a medicinal product found in pharmacies, not a drink you would buy at a convenience store for pleasure.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
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