zyu1 baat3 gwaai3豬八怪猪八怪
Jyutpingzyu1 baat3 gwaai3
Yalejyū baat gwaai
Definition
An ugly person.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term draws directly from the character of the same name in the classic novel Journey to the West, who is often depicted as a gluttonous and unattractive pig-human hybrid. It is used as a playful or insulting label for someone perceived to be physically unattractive or acting in a clumsy, unrefined manner. While it can be used in a teasing way among close friends, it is generally considered offensive and derogatory when directed at strangers.
Examples
He always calls people ugly, it is very rude.
Related words
Common phrases
to dress up as an ugly monster
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 豬八戒, which is the proper name of the literary character. Using 豬八怪 as a general insult is a colloquial invention, whereas 豬八戒 is a specific cultural reference that does not necessarily imply ugliness in all contexts.
Grammar color guide
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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.
