Some more Hong Kong-isms:“on holiday” Nobody here goes on vacation, everybody goes on holiday. That would be the influence of those crazy Brits.
“what’s on” Every Friday, the local newspapers have a “what’s on” listing. Our school’s webpage has a big “what’s on” tab on the homepage. It means what’s going on or what’s up.
“take away” When you go to the restaurant, your choices are “dine in” or “take away.” Makes sense.
“nullah” originated as an Hindi word from India, but it has officially entered the English language. (Yup, you can legally use it in Scrabble.) But what’s unique about this word is that it is really only used in Hong Kong. It hasn’t really found a home in other English-speaking parts of the world. A nullah is a man-made canal or cement-lined creek that helps to contain and direct rain water. Our apartment looks out over a nullah.
“scheme” When I hear the word “scheme” it usually makes me want to grab my wallet, especially if it involves an investment scheme. But here in Hong Kong everything is a scheme. That’s because they simply use the word to mean a plan. So we'll occasionally get an email from our H.R. department inviting us to an after-school informational meeting about the school’s retirement scheme.
“go toilet” instead of “go to the toilet.” As in “Mr. VanNoord may I be excused? I have to go toilet.”
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