laai6 niu6 haa1賴尿蝦赖尿虾
Jyutpinglaai6 niu6 haa1
Yalelaaih niuh hā
Definition
Mantis shrimp, or a child who wets the bed.
- mantis shrimp
- figurativea child who wets their bed or pants
colloquialfoodpeople
How it's used
The term functions as both a culinary name for the crustacean and a teasing label for someone who lacks bladder control. When used to describe a person, it is often directed at children or used as a playful insult among friends to imply someone is childish or immature. The crustacean itself is prized for its sweet meat but is notoriously difficult to peel due to its sharp shell.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Shall we go to the restaurant to eat mantis shrimp tonight?
You are already so grown up, are you still a bed-wetter?
Related words
Common phrases
salt and pepper mantis shrimp
poached mantis shrimp
Common mistake
Do not confuse the literal crustacean with the metaphorical usage when ordering food, as the context usually makes the distinction clear. Using it to describe an adult is considered rude or mocking rather than a clinical observation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
