maai6 laan5賣懶卖懒
Jyutpingmaai6 laan5
Yalemaaih láahn
Definition
An old Cantonese New Year custom where children try to pass off a slip of red paper written with "lazy" as "the God of Wealth".
colloquialfestivaldaily actions
How it's used
This is a culturally specific ritual that has largely faded from modern urban life in Hong Kong. It functions as a playful way for children to shed their laziness for the coming year by tricking adults into accepting a paper slip. The act relies on the element of surprise and the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year's Eve dinner.
Examples
When I was little, we used to go 'selling laziness' all the time.
Did you go 'selling laziness' this year?
Related words
Common phrases
Give laziness away till Lunar New Year's Eve.
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal selling or commerce, as it is a symbolic game. It is strictly tied to the specific timing of the Lunar New Year's Eve and is not used in any other context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
