16 Singlish Words and Phrases To Know
Singlish – for expat and Singaporean parents alike – can be a bone of contention. Should it be allowed? And to what extent? As much as we whole-heartedly support speaking proper English (and fancy a cup of tea in one hand and a scone in the other), we believe Singlish is a marker of Singaporean identity, which makes it an important (and fun) language to learn.
So while you practice speaking standard English with the little ones at home, here are some essential words and phrases they should know to facilitate their time at the hawker centre, school, and with their playground kakis (buddies).
Chope
Meaning: To reserve or hold something for somebody
Use it: You got tissue paper? We need it to chope table at the hawker centre!
Shiok
Meaning: no real equivalent; the closest would be fantastic or marvelous
Use it: Only one word to describe the char kway teow here – shiok!
Da Pao
Meaning: Takeaway
Use it: Uncle, chicken rice one packet, white, da pao.
Kiasu
Meaning: Afraid to lose out on something
Use it: Those parents are really kiasu; buying assessment books and hiring tutors when their kids haven’t even started Primary One.
Ang Moh
Meaning: A term used to describe Caucasians
Use it: I love the blouse that the blonde ang moh is wearing.
Can or not?
Meaning: Is it allowed/permissible?
Use it: Lend me your homework to copy, can or not?
Chim
Meaning: Something profound, deep, or intellectual
Use it: You understood Ms. Lee’s lesson? That was so chim, man!
Kancheong
Meaning: Nervous, harried, or flustered. Kancheong spider is used to describe someone with a nervous disposition.
Use it: The concert only begins at 8pm, you so kancheong for what?
Act Blur
Meaning: To play innocent or pretend to be ignorant. Blur sotong is used to describe someone really inept.
Use it: I know you took my colour pencils, don’t act blur!
Is it?
Meaning: Confirming something he/she has already inferred; can also be used to express skepticism
Use it: You want me to follow you to MacDonald’s, is it?
Sian
Meaning: A concise term that conveys boredom, weariness, frustration, emptiness, and being fed up.
Use it: I practice Math until sian already.
Kena
Meaning: Be afflicted with something, usually negative
Use it: If you don’t do your homework, you’re going to kena from the teacher tomorrow.
Paiseh
Meaning: Shy. It’s also used to express embarrassment, humility, or a sense of shame.
Use it: So paiseh, but I forgot your name.
Jialat
Meaning: Used to express being in trouble or difficult.
Use it: Jialat, my mum just found out I failed the exam.
Alamak
Meaning: Used to express dismay, surprise, or alarm.
Use it: Alamak! Why you go and do such a thing!
Auntie and Uncle
Meaning: Don’t worry, no blood relation here; it’s simply to sound more familiar when you address middle-aged men and women in Singapore.
Have fun with the local lexicon. Everything in moderation!
All Images: Choo Yut Shing