zyu2 gwai2煮鬼
Jyutpingzyu2 gwai2
Yalejyú gwái
Definition
To slander or badmouth someone behind their back.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of malicious intent and secrecy, implying that the speaker is actively plotting to damage someone's reputation. It is almost exclusively used to describe backstabbing behavior in social or professional settings. The inclusion of 鬼 adds a colloquial, slightly aggressive flavor that emphasizes the underhanded nature of the act.
Examples
He always likes to badmouth his colleagues at the office.
Related words
Common phrases
to slander behind someone's back
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal cooking, as the phrase has nothing to do with food. It is strictly a metaphorical expression for gossip or character assassination.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
