waa1 fu2挖苦
Jyutpingwaa1 fu2
Yalewā fú
Definition
To speak sarcastically; to mock or deride someone with ironic remarks.
neutralcommunicationpeople
How it's used
Carries a sharper, more deliberate tone than casual teasing. It implies a calculated attempt to belittle someone through irony or backhanded compliments. While it is a standard term, in everyday speech, people often prefer more direct slang like 串 or 潤 to describe the same behavior.
Examples
He is always being sarcastic to others, it is very annoying.
Related words
Common phrases
to make cold, sarcastic, and mocking remarks
Common mistake
Avoid using this in a lighthearted context among close friends, as it suggests a malicious intent rather than playful banter. For friendly teasing, stick to 講笑 or 玩嘢.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
