Some Commonly Heard 'Singlish' Terms and Phrases... Warning: 'Singlish' can be addictive. If you do not wish to pick up 'Singlish', please browse other sections of this site.
Coy A term commonly used by illiterate locals to mean a commercial company or firm. Lelong A sale at a discount, cheap sale or auction. Angmo A term which refers to Caucasian persons. Singkie A local-born pr native person. A less-used (written) version among some is "Sinkie", which ostensibly has a negative or derogatory connotation. Bang, Bang Balls To feel frustration or angst. Hah? A supposedly polite expression used in conversation to elicit a repetition of something said. It is also used to express disgust, as in the expression "say that again?". Goondu A dunce or someone who has done something unwise. Among close friends or close peers, it is often used as an expression of implicit endearment. Ah Beng A term used by locals to describe other local males who are deemed 'unsophisticated' in outlook and apparel and presumably not very knowledgeable. (The feminine equivalent of this term is 'Ah Lian'). Ah Lau A somewhat derogatory term for 'an old person'. Helicopter, Edicotter A term used to describe someone who has little knowledge of English. Angmo Pai A term used to describe locals who are English-educated. Alamak, Ayah, Walau Spontaneous utterances expressing surprise, disappointment, or disapproval. Adoi, Ayoh Milder utterances similar to 'Alamak', more often heard from women. Charsiew Roast Pork (in strips). The term is often used to describe an ungrateful offspring who mistreats or abuses his/her own parent. The term is derived from the parental notion that producing a piece of meat is better than a bad offspring. Horsepeter Hospital. Lay Chey Troublesome or inconvenient, when referring to tasks or procedures. Gahmen The Government. Kopi Tiam A traditional cafe usually intergrated with hawker foodstalls and often serving soft liquor. Makan Food or the act of eating. Paper A contextual reference to paper qualifications or educational certificates. Peepur People. Badminton As in "pattern more than badminton", used to describe a buffoon person who displays unusual antics, it being alluding to the varied styles of play in the game of badminton, often with subtle erotic connotation. Slang, Slang-slang To adopt or imitate a Westerners's native accent when speaking in good English, aka twang. Shiok, Song Pleasurable feeling. Siong, Teruk, Jialat, Sian Terms used to describe difficulty when faced with an unbearable experience. Yang or Sayang An endearing term used in addressing acquaintances and friends. Yaya Arrogant or conceited. Chiobu An attractive young female. Dinobu An unattractive, presumably overweight female. Nabay A common swear word. Outsai Outside. Neh Never. GO BACK |