maa4 lat1麻甩
Definition
Coarse, uncouth, or unkempt, typically describing men, but also applied to manly or rough-mannered women.
How it's used
Primarily used to describe men who appear unkempt, uncouth, or lack social refinement. While it carries a negative connotation of being sloppy or crude, it is sometimes used in a self-deprecating or humorous way among friends to describe a relaxed, non-pretentious style. It can also be applied to women whose behavior is perceived as overly masculine or lacking in traditional grace.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply poor or homeless, as the term specifically targets behavior and appearance rather than socioeconomic status. It is also not a direct translation for 'masculine' and can be offensive if used to criticize someone's genuine personality.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
