wong4 cung4蝗蟲蝗虫
Jyutpingwong4 cung4
Yalewòhng chùhng
Definition
Locust; a type of swarming insect derived from grasshoppers that causes crop damage.
colloquialanimalsother
How it's used
Beyond the literal insect, this term is frequently used as a derogatory political slur in Hong Kong to describe mainland Chinese tourists or immigrants. It implies that these individuals consume local resources excessively and leave nothing behind for locals, much like a swarm of insects. Using it in this context is highly offensive and inflammatory.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
The locusts ate all the crops.
Have you ever seen a locust that big?
Related words
Common phrases
locusts passing through (metaphor for something being completely wiped out)
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 草蜢, which is the general term for grasshoppers. While they are biologically related, 蝗蟲 specifically carries the negative connotation of being a destructive pest or, in social contexts, a target of xenophobic sentiment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
