lau5 gei3柳記柳记
Jyutpinglau5 gei3
Yaleláuh gei
Definition
The Correctional Services Department of Hong Kong, or its officers and staff.
- slangthe Correctional Services Department of Hong Kong
- slangprison officers; correctional services officers
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term is a specific piece of Hong Kong prison slang used to refer to correctional officers. The origin is believed to come from the green uniform worn by the staff, which resembles the colour of a willow tree. It carries a slightly derogatory or informal tone and is rarely used in official or polite settings.
Examples
I heard he went inside and is being watched by the correctional officers.
Related words
Common phrases
a senior correctional officer
Common mistake
Do not use this term in front of correctional staff, as it is considered disrespectful and unprofessional. It is strictly for casual conversation among peers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
