gwo3 gaai1 lou5 syu2過街老鼠过街老鼠
Jyutpinggwo3 gaai1 lou5 syu2
Yalegwo gāai lóuh syú
Definition
An extremely unpopular, despised, or detested person.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of social ostracization and public contempt. It is typically used to describe someone whose reputation has been completely destroyed due to their own actions, rather than someone who is merely disliked by a small group. The imagery of a rat scurrying across a street evokes a visceral reaction, implying that the person is not just unpopular but actively avoided or despised by the general public.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
He has done so many bad things that he is now loathed by everyone.
If you don't want to be hated by everyone, stop lying to people.
Related words
Common phrases
became a social pariah
a universally loathed person
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply unpopular or shy. It is reserved for individuals who have committed a social transgression or moral failure that makes them a target of collective hostility.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
