This week’s question: If you could meet one Hong Kong athlete, who would you choose, and what would you ask them? To take part, drop us a line via this form by 12pm on Wednesday, November 12.
Leung Kin-hei, 16, GCC & ITKD Lau Pak Lok Secondary School: Recently, I noticed the phrase “six seven” becoming increasingly popular among my peers. Although it originated from a song, its meaning seems somewhat ambiguous. Many young people, including teenagers and adults, have taken to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to showcase their interpretations of the phrase. Some individuals use it to express a sense of mediocrity, suggesting something is “so-so”, while others associate it with tall individuals or even a basketball team. This trend highlights how language evolves and adapts within our culture, reflecting the creativity and diversity of expression among today’s youth.
Iva Cheng Pui-yau, 14, Pui Kiu College: One phrase I have been using more frequently is “lock in”, which is slang for fully concentrating on and committing to something, usually a specific task or goal. While I wouldn’t consider it entirely new slang, its popularity has been rising, especially on social media platforms like Instagram. I often use this phrase in conversations with my friends to express my need to “lock in” to achieve better academic results. I really appreciate this phrase because it encapsulates the intense, distraction-free mental switch I need to make when tackling overwhelming goals and turning them into manageable successes. Ultimately, it has become my go-to phrase, reminding me that actual progress begins with a commitment to focus.
Timothy Ho Yin-lok, 17, Carmel Alison Lam Foundation Secondary School: My teacher taught me the phrase “keep your chin up”, which means that no matter how difficult a situation may be, I should remain positive and strive to overcome challenges. While preparing for the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE), I often felt stressed and, at times, overwhelmed, even contemplating giving up my goal of entering university. However, after learning this phrase, I realised that obstacles can be the start of a successful new chapter in my life. Now, whenever I feel fatigued, I write these four words on my desktop to remind myself to keep going.
Amelie Wong Tsz-ching, 12, St Catharine’s School for Girls: Lately, I’ve been using the phrase “lock in” more frequently. It means to concentrate intensely on a task or goal. With so much homework piling up, I’m struggling to complete it on time, often staying up late into the night. Each morning, I wake up feeling tired and already overwhelmed by the day ahead. One day, while texting a friend, he used this phrase, and I remembered its meaning. Now, I say “lock in” to myself every time I prepare to focus on my homework.
Jay Yuen, 15, STFA Tam Pak Yu College: “Popcorn brain” refers to how people today often watch short videos on their phones, forgetting how to communicate face-to-face. I use this term to remind others to focus on their lives.
Kayla Hung Tsz-ching, 14, St Mary’s Canossian College: I’ve recently started using the phrase “on the same page” more often, especially during school group projects. It helps ensure that everyone understands the plan and agrees on what to do next. I like it because it provides a simple way to check whether we are all thinking alike, similar to reading from the same section of a book.
Juniper Lai Hiu-yan, 12, St Paul’s Co-educational College: As the lunch helper at school, I am responsible for handing out lunchboxes every day. When I distribute lunches to my classmates, I often say, “Have a good meal,” in a playful, waitress-like way. This phrase usually makes them smile, which I find pretty amusing.
Egg Yik, 17, TWGHs Lo Kon Ting Memorial College: I have been using the phrase “at full throttle” more often lately. It means to do something with maximum effort or energy. While preparing for the upcoming DSE exams, I sometimes feel stressed and anxious. To remind myself to try my best and not give up, I write this phrase prominently in my schedule. It’s a daily rallying cry to persevere, give my best, and never surrender to fatigue or doubt.
Lai Yan-ying, 17, PLK Mrs Ma Kam Ming-Cheung Fook Sien College: It is undeniable that the phrase “let me cook” has become my go-to expression as a young person who is passionate about helping others. For example, when my friend had trouble opening a machine lock, even though I didn’t know how to fix it, I immediately said, “Let me cook.” I want to express my love for everyone in society, so I enjoy helping those in need and rarely refuse to assist anyone. If everyone adopted this mindset, the world would become a better place.
Tang Yui-wah, 14, Pope Paul VI College: This year, a popular phrase among students is “study smart, not hard”. This saying emphasises the importance of effective study techniques and good time management rather than merely putting in long hours of studying. It reflects a focus on efficiency and balance in academic life, encouraging students to prioritise understanding concepts over just memorising information.
