茂利
Chinese
phonetic | |||
---|---|---|---|
trad. (茂利) | 茂 | 利 | |
simp. #(茂利) | 茂 | 利 | |
alternative forms | 茂里 瞀里 |
Etymology
Corruption of English mullion.
In the early 20th century, the British introduced Western architectural elements to Hong Kong, including the mullion. The locals at the time would liken gawkers (anyone who stares blankly due to being dumbfounded etc.) to a mullion standing in the middle of a window, and later the slang would apply to any dumb person.[1]
Pronunciation
Noun
茂利
- (Cantonese, originally) a gawker
- (Cantonese, derogatory) an airhead, a fool, a moron