gong2 je5 jau5 gwat1講嘢有骨讲嘢有骨
Jyutpinggong2 je5 jau5 gwat1
Yalegóng yéh yáuh gwāt
Definition
To speak with hidden meanings, sarcasm, or thorns in one's words.
colloquialcommunicationemotion
How it's used
The term literally refers to having a bone in one's speech, implying that the words are sharp, difficult to swallow, and meant to prick the listener. It is used to describe someone who is being passive-aggressive or making sarcastic remarks that are not explicitly stated but are clearly understood by those involved. It is a very common way to call out someone for being indirect and intentionally hurtful.
Examples
They are talking with such hidden barbs, are they targeting you?
I don't like it when people talk with hidden barbs, just say what you mean directly.
Related words
Common phrases
every sentence is filled with hidden barbs
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being direct or blunt. Being direct is usually described as 講嘢直, whereas 講嘢有骨 specifically carries the negative connotation of being manipulative or intentionally snide.
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.
