gik1 zoeng3 faat3激脹法激胀法
Jyutpinggik1 zoeng3 faat3
Yalegīk jeung faat
Definition
Reverse psychology; the technique of provoking someone to do something by challenging them.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This term describes a manipulative social tactic where one intentionally challenges or taunts someone to trigger a reaction, often to get them to perform a task they initially resisted. It is essentially a form of reverse psychology used to goad people into action by questioning their ability or pride. You will hear this most often when discussing interpersonal conflicts or when someone is trying to get a stubborn friend to agree to something.
Examples
He tried to provoke me into admitting defeat, but I refused to play along.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simple teasing or bullying. Remember that this specific term implies a calculated, strategic intent to achieve a goal, rather than just being mean or making fun of someone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
