fung1 lou5 mou4封老毛

Jyutpingfung1 lou5 mou4

Yalefūng lóuh mòuh

Definition

To give a red packet of lucky money.

colloquialmoneyfestival

How it's used

This term is a highly colloquial and somewhat irreverent way to refer to the act of giving red packets. It specifically uses the slang term 老毛, which is a playful or sometimes derogatory reference to Mao Zedong, whose portrait appears on Chinese Renminbi banknotes. Using this term implies a casual, humorous, or even slightly cynical attitude toward the tradition of giving money.

Examples

gwo3過nin4年gei3記dak1得jiu3要fung1封lou5老mou4毛bei3畀di1啲sai3細lou6路aa4呀。

Remember to give red packets to the kids during Chinese New Year.

nei5你gam1今nin4年fung1封zo2咗lou5老mou4毛mei6未aa4呀？

Have you given out red packets yet this year?

Common phrases

fung1封lou5老mou4毛bei2畀jan4人

to give a red packet to someone

Common mistake

Avoid using this term in formal settings, such as with elders or in a professional environment, as it can be perceived as disrespectful or politically sensitive due to the reference to the banknote portrait.