sou3 coeng4掃場扫场
Jyutpingsou3 coeng4
Yalesou chèuhng
Definition
To disrupt a business's operations, typically by trashing the premises, driving away customers, or conducting a raid.
colloquialother
How it's used
Associated primarily with triad activity or organized intimidation, this term implies a deliberate act of aggression meant to force a business to close or pay protection money. It carries a strong sense of lawlessness and public disorder. While it can be used hyperbolically to describe a very rowdy group of customers causing a scene, it is most commonly understood in the context of criminal disruption.
Examples
I heard that bar got trashed by someone last night.
If you keep causing trouble here, watch out for people coming to smash the place up.
Related words
Common phrases
to have one's business trashed by others
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 掃貨, which means to go on a shopping spree and buy up all the goods in a store. The former is destructive and hostile, while the latter is a consumer activity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
