maai6 haam4 daan2賣鹹蛋卖咸蛋
Jyutpingmaai6 haam4 daan2
Yalemaaih hàahm dáan
Definition
To die; to kick the bucket.
slangpeopleslang
How it's used
This expression is a dark, humorous euphemism for death, similar to "kicking the bucket" in English. It originates from the practice of covering salted duck eggs in mud or ash, which resembles the appearance of a burial mound. Because it is quite blunt and irreverent, it should never be used in formal settings or when speaking to someone who is grieving.
Examples
I heard his grandfather passed away last year.
Related words
Common phrases
sooner or later to die
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in any serious or respectful context, as it sounds flippant and disrespectful toward the deceased. It is strictly for casual, often cynical, conversation among friends.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
