koi3 sai3 taai3 bou2蓋世太保盖世太保
Definition
Gestapo; the secret police force of Nazi Germany.
How it's used
This term is used as a historical reference to the Nazi secret police, but it is also frequently employed as a hyperbolic metaphor for anyone perceived as acting like a repressive, authoritarian, or overly intrusive authority figure. It carries a strong negative connotation of fear, surveillance, and oppression. Because it is a direct transliteration, it is recognized by most educated speakers, though it is not a term used in casual, everyday small talk unless discussing history or criticizing someone's controlling behavior.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with generic police terms like 差人 or 警察, as it specifically carries the weight of historical atrocities and totalitarianism. Using it to describe a regular police officer is considered highly offensive and inflammatory.
Grammar color guide
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.
