siu1 nei5 sou3 bou6燒你數簿烧你数簿
Definition
A euphemistic pun for "fuck your mother", literally meaning "burn your ledger".
How it's used
This is a classic example of a Cantonese pun that relies on phonetic similarity to bypass social taboos. By replacing the offensive components of the original phrase with words that sound vaguely similar, speakers can express intense frustration or aggression while maintaining a thin veil of plausible deniability. It functions as a form of verbal camouflage that is widely understood by native speakers but avoids the immediate shock value of the literal profanity.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal or professional settings, as the underlying meaning is still clearly understood as a severe insult. Even though it is a pun, it is not considered polite or acceptable in polite company.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
