jau5 paai4 laan6 zai2有牌爛仔有牌烂仔
Jyutpingjau5 paai4 laan6 zai2
Yaleyáuh pàaih laahn jái
Definition
A derogatory term for police officers who abuse their authority, literally meaning a licensed rascal.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of contempt for law enforcement officers who act like street thugs rather than public servants. It specifically highlights the irony of someone having legal authority while behaving in an unlawful or morally bankrupt manner. It is highly offensive and should never be used in a professional or formal setting.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is basically a thug with a badge, always bullying people.
Have you seen that thug with a badge? He is causing trouble again.
Related words
Common phrases
a total thug with a badge
Common mistake
Do not use this term to describe actual criminals or street gangsters, as the core of the insult relies on the person having a badge or official status. Using it for a regular criminal would be confusing and inaccurate.
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.
