gwo3 hei3 lou5 gun1過氣老倌过气老倌

Jyutpinggwo3 hei3 lou5 gun1

Yalegwo hei lóuh gūn

Definition

An actor, celebrity, or public figure whose fame has faded; someone who has lost power and influence.

datedan opera singer or actor whose fame has faded
figurativea person who has lost their power, authority, or influence

slangpeopleslang

How it's used

Originally referring to veteran Cantonese opera performers who have passed their prime, this term has evolved into a biting, often disrespectful way to describe anyone who has lost their former influence or popularity. It carries a strong sense of irony, as it mocks someone for still acting as if they are important when they are clearly no longer relevant. Using this term is inherently judgmental and should be avoided in polite or professional settings.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢ji5以cin4前hung4紅gik6極jat1一si4時，ji4而gaa1家bin3變zo2咗gwo3過hei3氣lou5老gun1倌laa3喇。

He was once extremely popular, but now he is a has-been.

nei5你zung6仲dong1當zi6自gei2己hai6係ming4明sing1星me1咩，gwo3過hei3氣lou5老gun1倌zau6就sau1收lim5斂di1啲laa1啦。

Do you still think you are a star? You should be more humble now that you are a has-been.

Common phrases

bin3變zo2咗gwo3過hei3氣lou5老gun1倌

became a has-been

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe someone who is simply retired or elderly, as the term specifically implies a loss of status or relevance that the person might still be trying to cling to.