lou5 ngau5老藕

Jyutpinglou5 ngau5

Yalelóuh ngáuh

Definition

An unattractive elderly woman.

colloquialpeopleslang

How it's used

This term is derogatory and carries a strong sense of ageism and misogyny. It is used to mock women who are perceived as past their prime or unable to find a partner. Avoid using it in any polite or professional setting as it is highly offensive.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日waa6話zi6自gei2己mou5冇jan4人jiu3要，bin3變zo2咗lou5老ngau5藕。

She always says nobody wants her and she has become an old maid.

nei5你m4唔hou2好giu3叫jan4人lou5老ngau5藕aa4呀，hou2好mou2冇lai5禮maau6貌㗎。

Don't call people an old maid, it's very rude.

Common phrases

bin3變zo2咗lou5老ngau5藕

become an old maid

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a neutral way to describe an older woman, but it is strictly an insult. Using it to describe someone's aunt or grandmother will cause significant offense.