lok6 haai4 jau2落鞋油
Jyutpinglok6 haai4 jau2
Yalelohk hàaih yáu
Definition
To flatter or be obsequious; to brownnose.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This expression vividly captures the act of sycophancy by comparing it to the repetitive, servile motion of polishing someone else's shoes. It carries a strong negative connotation and is used to call out someone who is acting insincerely to gain favor. Unlike simple praise, it implies a lack of dignity or a hidden agenda.
Examples
He loves to suck up to people and is always complimenting the boss.
Do you really have to be so obvious with your flattery?
Related words
Common phrases
to flatter someone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal act of polishing shoes. While it sounds like a practical chore, using it in a professional or social context will be immediately understood as a sharp insult regarding someone's character.
Grammar color guide
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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.
