jiu4 tau4 fong2 nou5搖頭晃腦摇头晃脑

Jyutpingjiu4 tau4 fong2 nou5

Yaleyìuh tàuh fóng nóuh

Definition

To shake or wag one's head, showing self-satisfaction, complacency, or pride.

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How it's used

This idiom describes a specific physical mannerism often associated with someone reciting poetry or showing off their self-importance. It carries a strong nuance of mockery, suggesting the person is being pretentious or overly pleased with themselves. It is rarely used to describe a neutral or positive action.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日jiu4搖tau4頭fong2晃nou5腦，hou2好ci5似hou2好lek1叻gam3咁。

He is always wagging his head smugly, acting like he is so smart.

nei5你m4唔hou2好hai2喺dou6度jiu4搖tau4頭fong2晃nou5腦laa1啦，hou2好faan4煩aa4呀。

Stop wagging your head around like that, it is really annoying.

Common phrases

jiu4搖tau4頭fong2晃nou5腦gam3咁joeng2樣

in a smug, head-wagging manner

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal description of someone shaking their head to say no, but it specifically implies a rhythmic, swaying motion that signals arrogance or affectation.