redirected from
honkey
Commonly found variants; note these may range from acceptable alternatives to
non-standard forms or incorrect spellings*.
* Singlish is a largely spoken creole, and as such descriptivism (recording forms that reflect actual pronunciation in spoken language, or as appearing in the linguistic corpus) is more pertinent than strict prescriptivism. Nevertheless, the use of more standard forms (or for words originating in languages with Latin script, such as Malay, accurate to the original spelling) is recommended and encouraged.
* Singlish is a largely spoken creole, and as such descriptivism (recording forms that reflect actual pronunciation in spoken language, or as appearing in the linguistic corpus) is more pertinent than strict prescriptivism. Nevertheless, the use of more standard forms (or for words originating in languages with Latin script, such as Malay, accurate to the original spelling) is recommended and encouraged.
also can:
honkie honky hongkey honkey hongky
Hongkie
→
English:
Hong Kong
+
-ie
Detailed etymology
definitions
noun
- (derogatory, offensive) a Hong Konger; someone from Hong Kong or of Hongkongese descent
Two things never to say to a Hongkonger: (1) Call him a Hongkie. (2) Insult his new $32-billion airport.
— 1998 May 20, Yvonne Lim. The New Paper, "‘Chek Lap Kok! There’s a new tower on the block!’". p.17
adjective
- (derogatory, offensive) Hongkongese; of or relating to Hong Kong
I could immediately tell it was a "hongkie" joint from the moment I made my reservation over the phone.
— 1996 May 4, Jaime Ee. The Business Times, "Cheap and good Hongkong cuisine". p.22
usage notes
Whether the term is considered derogatory and offensive, or simply an innocent nickname, is often up to the interpretation of the listener(s) or those being described.