waa6 beng3話柄话柄
Jyutpingwaa6 beng3
Yalewah beng
Definition
A mistake or shortcoming that becomes a subject of gossip, criticism, or ridicule.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to a flaw or mistake that provides others with ammunition for criticism or mockery. It carries a sense of vulnerability, implying that one has handed over a weapon to their detractors. The term is almost always used in the context of being careful to avoid giving others a reason to talk behind one's back.
Examples
You are so careless with your work, it is easy for people to use it as a pretext to gossip about you.
Related words
Common phrases
to invite criticism or become a subject of gossip
to use as a pretext for gossip
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general gossip or rumors. It specifically requires a concrete action or mistake that serves as the basis for the criticism, rather than just idle chatter.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
