zap1 jan4 hau2 seoi2 mei1執人口水溦执人口水溦

Jyutpingzap1 jan4 hau2 seoi2 mei1

Yalejāp yàhn háu séui mēi

Definition

To parrotingly copy, mimic, or emulate what others have said.

slangcommunicationpeople

How it's used

This expression vividly describes someone who lacks original thought and simply repeats the opinions or words of others. The term literally refers to picking up the saliva droplets of others, which carries a strong sense of disdain or mockery toward the person being described. It is almost exclusively used to criticize someone for being a follower or lacking a backbone in their arguments.

Examples

nei5你m4唔hou2好seng4成jat6日zap1執jan4人hau2口seoi2水mei1溦laa1啦，gong2講di1啲zi6自gei2己nam2諗ge2嘅je5嘢laa1啦。

Stop just parroting what others say, talk about your own thoughts.

keoi5佢gan1根bun2本mou5冇zyu2主gin3見，zing6淨hai6係sik1識zap1執jan4人hau2口seoi2水mei1溦。

He has no original opinions at all, he only knows how to mimic others.

Common phrases

zing6淨hai6係sik1識zap1執jan4人hau2口seoi2水mei1溦

only knows how to parrot others

Common mistake

Do not use this phrase to describe someone who is simply agreeing with a fact or repeating a piece of information for clarity. It is a derogatory remark aimed at someone's lack of independent thinking, so using it in a professional or polite setting will sound very aggressive and rude.