fong3 paau3放炮

Jyutpingfong3 paau3

Yalefong paau

Definition

To set off firecrackers, blast, or blow a tire; figuratively to make loud, empty boasts.

to set off firecrackers
to blast; to detonate explosives
to suffer a tire blowout
figurativeto make sensational, provocative, or boastful statements

colloquialdaily actionscommunication

How it's used

Beyond the literal meaning of setting off fireworks or firecrackers, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who speaks recklessly, makes empty threats, or boasts without evidence. It carries a sense of noise and lack of substance, similar to how a firecracker makes a loud bang but leaves little behind. In casual conversation, it is often used to call out someone who is exaggerating or talking nonsense.

Examples

gwo3過nin4年go2嗰zan6陣hou2好do1多jan4人zung1鍾ji3意fong3放paau3炮。

Many people like to set off firecrackers during the Lunar New Year.

nei5你m4唔hou2好hai2喺dou6度lyun6亂gam3咁fong3放paau3炮aa4呀。

Don't go around spouting nonsense here.

Common phrases

lyun6亂fong3放paau3炮

to spout nonsense randomly

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with firing a real firearm, for which Cantonese speakers would use 開槍 instead. Using 放炮 to describe a real gunfight sounds unnatural and confusing to native speakers.