ngo6 gau2 coeng2 si2餓狗搶屎饿狗抢屎
Jyutpingngo6 gau2 coeng2 si2
Yalengoh gáu chéung sí
Definition
An undignified and desperate scramble for something, resembling hungry dogs fighting for feces.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom is a vivid, derogatory metaphor used to describe people who act in a desperate, undignified, or feral manner when competing for resources. It carries a strong sense of contempt, implying that the individuals involved have lost all sense of decorum or social grace. It is most commonly used to criticize crowds at sales, buffet lines, or when people rush to grab limited seats on public transport.
Examples
Seeing the sale, they scrambled for the items like hungry dogs.
Why is everyone scrambling for seats like hungry dogs?
Related words
Common phrases
in a manner of scrambling desperately
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe yourself or anyone you respect, as it is highly insulting and implies the person is behaving like an animal. It is strictly for criticizing the uncouth behavior of others.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
