maa1 gat1孖吉
Jyutpingmaa1 gat1
Yalemā gāt
Definition
The 14K triad group.
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
This term is specific to Hong Kong triad slang where numbers are often encoded or substituted. The character 吉 is used as a phonetic or visual substitute for 七, making the literal meaning double seven, which equals fourteen. It is strictly used within the context of criminal underworld references and carries a heavy, serious tone.
Examples
I heard he used to be a 14K member.
Do you know who the 14K boss is?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this term in casual conversation or outside of discussing triad history or crime, as it is highly associated with gang culture and can be perceived as provocative or inappropriate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
