kim4 gung1鉗工钳工
Jyutpingkim4 gung1
Yalekìhm gūng
Definition
Pickpocket.
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
This term is a slang-heavy, slightly humorous way to describe a pickpocket. It plays on the literal meaning of pliers or tongs, suggesting the thief uses their fingers like tools to extract items from pockets. It is much more informal than the standard term 扒手.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Be careful when taking the MTR, lest a pickpocket steals your wallet.
Related words
Common phrases
beware of pickpockets
Common mistake
Do not use this in a formal police report or serious news context, as it sounds like street slang rather than a neutral description of a crime.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
