mou4 lei4 tau4 gau1無厘頭鳩无厘头鸠
Jyutpingmou4 lei4 tau4 gau1
Yalemòuh lèih tàuh gāu
Definition
Completely nonsensical, ridiculous, or absurd.
slangslangvulgar
How it's used
This term is a highly informal and vulgar intensifier derived from the classic Cantonese slang 無厘頭. Adding 鳩 turns a description of something absurd into a much cruder, more aggressive expression of disbelief or annoyance. It is strictly for use among close friends and should be avoided in any professional or public setting.
Examples
What he says is truly nonsensical.
Related words
Common phrases
talking complete nonsense
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the standard 無厘頭, which is safe for general conversation. Using the version with 鳩 in front of elders or strangers is considered offensive and rude.
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.
