mou4 cing4 gai1無情雞无情鸡
Definition
An indirect way of firing an employee, traditionally symbolized by the chicken head pointing at them at a company dinner.
How it's used
Originating from the traditional lunar calendar practice of the year end company dinner, this term carries a strong sense of cultural history regarding workplace hierarchy. While the ritual of pointing a chicken head at an employee is rarely practiced today, the phrase remains a common, slightly dramatic way to describe being fired or laid off. It is often used to express resignation or misfortune regarding one's employment status.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this term in a formal professional setting or when writing a resume, as it is strictly colloquial and carries a heavy, somewhat superstitious connotation. It is best reserved for casual conversation among friends or colleagues.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
