Green’s Dictionary of Slang

f.i.l.t.h. phr.

[abbr. failed in London, try Hong Kong]

used of one who is attempting to resuscitate their career, stalled in London, in the Far East.

AsiaWeek.com 20 Jun. 🌐 In recent years, Hong Kong saw a large influx of FILTH (Failed In London, Try Hong Kong), who took advantage of their British passports to corner the job market in sandwich-selling, cappuccino-peddling, bar-tending and English-tutoring.