hoi2 gau2海狗

Jyutpinghoi2 gau2

Yalehói gáu

名詞

Definition

Fur seal, or a derogatory term for customs officers.

fur seal; eared seal
slanga derogatory nickname for customs officers

colloquialanimalsslang

How it's used

Using this term for customs officers is a classic piece of Hong Kong slang that relies on the uniform color and the perceived behavior of the staff. It is derogatory and implies that they are sniffing around like dogs to find contraband. Be cautious when using it in public as it is clearly intended to be insulting.

Measure word

zek3隻jek

Examples

hoi2海joeng4洋gung1公jyun2園go2嗰zek3隻hoi2海gau2狗hou2好dak1得ji3意aa4呀。

The fur seal at Ocean Park is so cute.

nei5你gin3見dou2到go2嗰baan1班hoi2海gau2狗hai2喺dou6度zaa1查gan2緊fo3貨mei6未aa4呀？

Have you seen those customs officers checking the cargo yet?

Common phrases

hoi2海gau2狗jyun2丸

fur seal pill (a type of traditional health supplement)

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 海豹, which refers to a true seal that lacks external ear flaps. Fur seals and sea lions have visible ear flaps, which is why they are sometimes grouped together in casual speech.