On the HBO show "Deadwood", what the heck is Wu saying?

Question

I get the general gist of "hang dai", but what the heck does "bak wai lo" mean? Now, I'm reasonably sure I didn't spell that right, but if you watch the show, then you've heard him say it. I assume it's not complimentary...

Answer 1

Bok wai lo is translated "white devil". It is an insult. I have friends who use the shortened term bok wai as a pejorative in a joking manner but that is roughly what Wu is saying.



And to be more specific, you need some one who speaks Cantonese. There are five dialects of Chinese and not all Chinese speak the same dialect. I just happen to know some who do.

Answer 2

Mr Wu Deadwood

Answer 3

Unfortunately, we will never know. You see, Mr. Wu knows almost no English beyond the word "Cocksucka!". He however communicates effectively with Swearengen (to whom he refers as "Swedgen!") with the aid of charcoal drawings and hand signals. So most of his words are in Chinese. So that might be what you are hearing. He's an interesting character in Deadwood. Especially when he's feeding the spine dead bodies. I hate the show will not be back for a fourth season.

Answer 4

That's the basis of Wu, the only words you can understand are when is is swearing at Al.