to4 dei2陀地
Jyutpingto4 dei2
Yaletòh déi
Definition
A local gangster on their own turf, or the protection money extorted by them.
- slanga local gangster or gang members on their own turf
- slangprotection money extorted by local gangsters
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
Originally referring to the specific local territory controlled by a gang, the term has expanded to describe the protection money itself. It carries a strong connotation of local dominance and intimidation. In modern slang, it is sometimes used humorously to describe a local person who never leaves their neighborhood.
Examples
This is their turf, don't mess around here.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the term 陀地妹, which is a colloquial, sometimes derogatory way to refer to a local Hong Kong girl, as the nuance shifts completely from gang activity to personal identity.
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.
