ngoi6 mou5 naa2外母乸
Jyutpingngoi6 mou5 naa2
Yalengoih móuh ná
Definition
A humorous or playful term for one's mother-in-law (specifically, the wife's mother).
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Adding 乸 to the end of a noun often serves as a derogatory or humorous suffix, implying a rough or unrefined quality. Using it for a mother-in-law is a classic example of 'gallows humor' among husbands, suggesting a slightly strained or stereotypical relationship. It should never be used in front of the person herself, as it is inherently disrespectful.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
I have to accompany my mother-in-law for tea this Sunday.
Related words
Common phrases
to accompany one's mother-in-law
to meet one's mother-in-law
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the standard term 外母, which is neutral and polite. Using 外母乸 in a formal setting or when speaking directly to your mother-in-law will likely cause significant offense.
Grammar color guide
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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.
