bb
The Cantonese way to say "babe" is bb.
bb is used to refer to an attractive person. It is an English loanword adaptation that has been integrated into Cantonese internet slang.
Meaning: attractive person (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bb is considered slang and is primarily used in informal digital communication such as text messaging and social media.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Guangdong Province, the term 心肝 is commonly used to mean "sweetheart".
Did you know?
- The term 心肝 literally translates to 'heart and liver', reflecting an ancient Chinese belief that these organs are the seats of love and emotion.
- While bb is used for attractive people, it is most commonly used in Hong Kong as a general term for an actual baby or a small child.
- Unlike English where 'babe' is spoken, bb originated as a written shorthand in digital chat rooms before becoming a common spoken term.
Examples in context
- 親愛嘅，我好愛你噢！Darling, I love you so much!
Example conversation
Mei Ling and Zhi Qiang are people-watching at a mall.
- 美玲 Mei Ling睇下嗰個男仔，係個bb！tai2 haa2 go2 go3 naam4 zai2, hai6 go3 bb!Look at that guy, he's a babe!
- 志強 Chi Keung係喎，好靚仔。hai6 wo3, hou2 leng3 zai1.Yeah, he's very handsome.
- 美玲 Mei Ling你唔覺得佢好似個bb？nei5 m4 gok3 dak1 keoi5 hou2 ci5 go3 bb?Don't you think he's a babe?
- 志強 Chi Keung我都覺得係。ngo5 dou1 gok3 dak1 hai6.I think so too.
