lat1 ngaa4甩牙
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Definition
To lose a tooth, or to speak unclearly and slur one's words.
- to lose a tooth
- slangto slur one's words; to speak unclearly
colloquialbodyslang
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of losing a tooth, this term is frequently used as a metaphor for speaking unclearly, especially when someone is missing teeth or has dental work that interferes with their speech. It carries a slightly teasing tone when used to describe someone's speech, so avoid using it in formal or sensitive contexts.
Examples
He fell down when he was little and lost a tooth.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 甩底, which means to flake on an appointment or fail to show up. While both share the prefix 甩, they are used in completely different social contexts.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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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.
