sik6 maau1 min6食貓麵食猫面
Jyutpingsik6 maau1 min6
Yalesihk māau mihn
Definition
To be scolded, told off, or reprimanded, typically by a superior at work.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Originating from the idea of being fed something unpleasant, this idiom specifically describes a subordinate receiving a stern reprimand from a superior. It carries a sense of resignation or anticipation of a negative outcome after a mistake. While it implies a power imbalance, it is often used among colleagues to gossip about someone's misfortune rather than to the person's face.
Examples
You messed up again, get ready to be told off.
He was called into the boss's office today to get a dressing down.
Related words
Common phrases
to be called into the office to be scolded
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal eating; it is strictly an idiom for being scolded. Using it to describe a formal performance review or a friendly correction would be inappropriate as it implies a harsh or scolding tone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
