laan6 caa4 zaa1爛茶渣烂茶渣

Jyutpinglaan6 caa4 zaa1

Yalelaahn chàh jā

Definition

Useless, valueless, or badly worn-out things; often used disparagingly to refer to women past their youth.

something of no use, no value, or in very bad condition
slanga woman past her youth, usually over thirty years old

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

This term uses the metaphor of used tea leaves that have lost their flavor and are discarded after brewing. While it can refer to any useless or discarded object, it is most frequently applied to women who are perceived as having passed their prime marriageable age. It carries a derogatory and sexist tone, reflecting traditional societal pressures regarding age and relationships.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日waa6話zi6自gei2己hai6係laan6爛caa4茶zaa1渣，mou5冇jan4人jiu3要。

She always says she is 'leftover tea leaves' and nobody wants her.

bin1邊go3個waa6話saam1三sap6十seoi3歲zau6就hai6係laan6爛caa4茶zaa1渣aa4呀？

Who says that being thirty years old makes you 'leftover tea leaves'?

Common phrases

bin3變zou6做laan6爛caa4茶zaa1渣

to become 'leftover tea leaves'

Common mistake

Do not use this term to describe actual tea leaves or physical trash, as it is almost exclusively used as a metaphor for people, particularly women. Using it in a professional or polite setting is highly offensive.