sei2 gai1 caang3 ngaang6 goek3死雞撐硬腳死鸡撑硬脚
Jyutpingsei2 gai1 caang3 ngaang6 goek3
Yaleséi gāi chaang ngaahng geuk
Definition
To stiffly defend one's mistakes or refuse to admit being wrong out of stubbornness or pride.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom vividly describes the image of a dead chicken whose legs remain stiff and rigid, refusing to bend even after death. It is used to mock someone who is clearly in the wrong but continues to argue or defend their position with irrational stubbornness. It carries a strong sense of disapproval and is often used to call out someone's lack of humility.
Examples
Just admit it if you did wrong, don't be so stubborn and refuse to back down.
He clearly lost but still refuses to admit it, it's really unbearable.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply being persistent or hardworking. It specifically refers to someone who is being defensive and unreasonable about a mistake they have already made.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
