zoeng1 tau4 syu2 muk4獐頭鼠目獐头鼠目
Jyutpingzoeng1 tau4 syu2 muk4
Yalejēung tàuh syú mùhk
Definition
Having an ugly, cunning, or untrustworthy appearance.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, specifically targeting someone whose physical features suggest a dishonest or sneaky character. It is rarely used in formal writing and serves as a harsh, judgmental description in spoken Cantonese. Because it attacks a person's appearance, it is considered quite offensive and rude to use in polite company.
Examples
That guy has a shifty, obnoxious look; you can tell just by looking he is no good.
Related words
Common phrases
a shifty-looking person
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a neutral description of someone who is simply ugly. It is specifically used to imply moral corruption or untrustworthiness, so using it to describe someone who is merely unattractive is socially inappropriate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
