san4 ging1 dou1神經刀神经刀
Jyutpingsan4 ging1 dou1
Yalesàhn gīng dōu
Definition
An unpredictable, eccentric, or wild person; someone whose actions are erratic or hard to guess.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originally a sports term for players who perform inconsistently, oscillating between brilliant and disastrous, the term has expanded to describe anyone whose behavior is erratic or eccentric. It carries a slightly playful or exasperated tone rather than being a clinical diagnosis of mental health. It is frequently used in professional or competitive contexts to describe someone who cannot be relied upon to maintain a steady standard.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is usually normal, but he becomes totally unpredictable once he starts playing.
Related words
Common phrases
became a loose cannon
a total loose cannon
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone with actual mental health struggles, as it is strictly used for behavioral unpredictability or eccentricity in social and performance contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
