lou5 jau4 tiu2老油條老油条
Jyutpinglou5 jau4 tiu2
Yalelóuh yàuh tíu
Definition
An experienced yet useless person who has grown slick, lazy, or ineffective with age.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This term carries a strong negative connotation of someone who is cynical, lazy, and resistant to change due to their long experience in a workplace or environment. It implies the person has become 'slipperier' and more cunning at avoiding work rather than actually becoming more skilled. It is specifically used to criticize people who use their seniority to shirk responsibilities.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He has been a slacker for years and refuses to help with anything.
Don't act like those lazy old-timers who only know how to slack off.
Related words
Common phrases
workplace slacker
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal food item, which is a common breakfast snack. In a culinary context, it is just a piece of fried dough, but when applied to a person, it is a harsh insult regarding their work ethic.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
