gwing2囧
Jyutpinggwing2
Yalegwíng
Definition
An internet emoticon representing embarrassment, helplessness, or distress; also archaic terms for bright or transparent.
- slangemoticon representing embarrassment, helplessness, awkwardness, or distress
- archaicbright; transparent; clear
slangslangcommunication
How it's used
Originally a character meaning bright or a place name, it has been completely repurposed in internet slang to represent a face showing embarrassment, awkwardness, or helplessness. The shape of the character resembles a face with furrowed brows and a downturned mouth, which is why it is used as an emoticon. It is almost exclusively used in text-based communication rather than spoken language.
Examples
Seeing that awkward expression, I really couldn't help but laugh.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this character in formal writing or professional emails, as it is strictly informal internet slang. It is not a standard way to describe emotions in spoken Cantonese.
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.
