Transferring from Chicago

[PDLM]

It is - "spendy" is not a word in any version of English that I am aware of.

[smelly]

eh? wtf?

I will try to not use slang for you from now on.

[PDLM]

It's OK - it's a very Chinglish term, so it helps to identify your background anyway...

[MovingIn07]

eh? wtf?

I will try to not use slang for you from now on.

PDLM is right. Slang is very country-specific and therefore not necessarily understandable for somebody from somewhere else. I might have said, for example, it's very exxy, which is Australian slang for expensive, but someone from the UK (like my parents) tend not to understand me when I use those terms. If you are trying to help the OP you do have to be comprehensible, which is not a criticism, it's just a fact of life!

[paul9]

Regarding housing agents, I've found that Midland Realty's stock of flats was less expensive than Century 21 and other int'l chains. Also, their website gives an idea of available flats & prices in each area (relative price, etc). They have many offices and each covers flats in the immediate vicinity, so for example you might go to Quarry Bay and talk with the local Midland Realty office. You'll be handled by the rep who speaks the most/best English. Your mileage may vary, but I suggest working with a Midland agent at least once.

Talk with some local HK people at your new office before making finalizing offer. For example, I negotiated for a flat-screen TV after someone told me that it's a common addition to rental agreements, etc.

Property Agency in Hong Kong - Midland Realty

I'm happy to buy you a drink once you move in. Just PM me =)

[smelly]

PDLM is right. Slang is very country-specific and therefore not necessarily understandable for somebody from somewhere else. I might have said, for example, it's very exxy, which is Australian slang for expensive, but someone from the UK (like my parents) tend not to understand me when I use those terms. If you are trying to help the OP you do have to be comprehensible, which is not a criticism, it's just a fact of life!

understood.

replying "eh?" "wtf?' isn't necessary. If saying "spendy" is considered bad then that definitely is...

After all I was replying to someone from Chicago. I have a pretty good idea he knew what I was saying.

[ucdavis08]

PDLM is right. Slang is very country-specific and therefore not necessarily understandable for somebody from somewhere else. I might have said, for example, it's very exxy, which is Australian slang for expensive, but someone from the UK (like my parents) tend not to understand me when I use those terms. If you are trying to help the OP you do have to be comprehensible, which is not a criticism, it's just a fact of life!

Is it like pricey in America?
I thought of another word when I saw "exxy".

There's only one thing Chicago is similar to Hong Kong. You can live without a car.

[paul9]

It is - "spendy" is not a word in any version of English that I am aware of.

Today I came across 'spendy' being used in a forum on the Apple Support website. I looked it up; it's been a word since 1985:

Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online

spendy
One entry found.
Main Entry: spendy
Pronunciation: \ˈspen-dē\
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): spend·i·er; spend·i·est
Date: 1985
chiefly Northwest : expensive

[campas12]

oh come on- pldm, you're being a troll now. you know full well what spendy meant. exxy isn't a good example, since it's not even a full word (though anyone including pldm with half a brain might surmise the meaning when put into this context).

back onto normal matters-- i'd highly suggest coming over first and spending a month or so here before you choose a place- i think a big part of it is what you/familiy like to do

the other bigger problem here is your kids being ok here. I moved from uk- to usa when i was 12...and although i was fine with it, i did feel like an outcast during the mid-high school years. it's def. hard moving to another school...and incredibly hard when moving to another country (at least mine was western to western...and not western to honkers!)