粗口
chōuháu
In Cantonese, 'the f word' can be referred to as 粗口 (chōuháu).
粗口 is a polite way to refer to the word 'fuck' or other strong swear words. To say 'to swear' or 'to use the f-word', you use the verb 講 (to speak) with 粗口.
How do you pronounce it?
chōuháu
Did you know?
- Because Cantonese is a tonal language, saying a 粗口 word with the wrong tone can accidentally turn a severe insult into a completely innocent word.
- In Cantonese culture, using 粗口 is often viewed as an expression of strength or dominance rather than just anger, particularly in certain street or triad subcultures.
- The term 粗口 literally translates to 'coarse mouth', suggesting that profanity is seen as a physical roughness of one's speech patterns.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a heated argument they saw.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung你見唔見到佢哋喺度嗌交？nei5 gin3 m4 gin3 dou2 keoi5 dei6 hai2 dou3 aai3 gaau1?Did you see them arguing?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit見到，個男人一直講粗口。gin3 dou2, go3 maan1 jan4 jat1 zik6 gong2 cou1 hau2.I did, the man kept using the f-word.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung真係好沒禮貌。zan1 hai6 hou2 mut6 lai5 maau6.That is really rude.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit係，我都被佢嚇到了。hai6, ngo5 dou1 bei6 keoi5 haak1 dou2 lo.Yes, I was shocked by him too.
