lou5 lim4老廉
Jyutpinglou5 lim4
Yalelóuh lìhm
Definition
A common colloquial name for the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This term is a widely recognized shorthand for the 廉政公署, reflecting the agency's deep integration into Hong Kong's social consciousness. While it sounds informal, it is used by everyone from news anchors to taxi drivers to refer to the institution. It carries a slightly ominous tone, as the mere mention of the agency is often associated with investigations or legal trouble.
Examples
I heard the ICAC went to his company to make arrests this morning.
Be careful with your work, don't let the ICAC come knocking.
Related words
Common phrases
ICAC making an arrest
to be invited by the ICAC for coffee (a euphemism for being interrogated)
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 廉價, which means cheap or low-cost. Using 老廉 in a business context to describe a bargain will cause significant confusion.
Grammar color guide
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Particle
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
