mun4 hau2 gau2門口狗门口狗
Jyutpingmun4 hau2 gau2
Yalemùhn háu gáu
Definition
A guard dog; also used to describe someone who acts aggressive because of their powerful connections.
- a guard dog; watch dog
- figurativesomeone who acts tough or aggressive because they are backed by powerful people
colloquialanimalspeople
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of a dog guarding a house, this term is frequently used as a derogatory metaphor for a person who acts as a subservient protector or sycophant for a powerful individual. It carries a strong sense of contempt, implying that the person has no independent authority and only barks to serve their master's interests.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
That guard dog barks whenever it sees a stranger.
He is always acting like someone's lackey, it's really shameful.
Related words
Common phrases
to guard the door
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a professional security guard, as that would be highly offensive and insulting. Use 保安 instead for the profession.
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.
