ji2 lou5 maai6 lou5倚老賣老倚老卖老

Jyutpingji2 lou5 maai6 lou5

Yaleyí lóuh maaih lóuh

Definition

To show off one's age or seniority, often looking down on juniors with arrogance.

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, specifically targeting people who use their seniority as a shield to dismiss or belittle others. It is frequently used in workplace or family settings where someone refuses to listen to new ideas or constructive feedback. Unlike simply being experienced, this term implies an active, annoying display of entitlement.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日ji2倚lou5老maai6賣lou5老，zan1真hai6係hou2好hat1乞jan4人zang1憎。

He is always acting superior because of his age, it is really annoying.

nei5你m4唔hou2好ji2倚lou5老maai6賣lou5老laa1啦，hau6後saang1生zai2仔dou1都jau5有dou6道lei5理㗎。

Don't act all superior just because you're older, young people have their points too.

Common phrases

ji2倚lou5老maai6賣lou5老ge3嘅jan4人

someone who acts superior due to seniority

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being experienced or wise. It is strictly used to criticize someone's behavior, so using it to describe a respected elder would be highly offensive.