syut3 gou1 lou2雪糕佬
Jyutpingsyut3 gou1 lou2
Yalesyut gōu lóu
Definition
An investigator or officer from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This term originated from the iconic white uniforms worn by ICAC officers in the past, which resembled the uniforms of ice cream truck drivers. It is a classic example of Hong Kong slang that turns a potentially intimidating authority figure into something slightly more approachable or humorous. While widely understood, it is best used in informal settings rather than professional or legal contexts.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
I heard that company is being investigated by the ICAC.
Related words
Common phrases
to be investigated by the ICAC
Common mistake
Do not use this term in front of actual ICAC officers or in formal reports, as it is highly informal and can be perceived as disrespectful or flippant.
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.
