Why You So Like Dat?
Ah yes! Singlish. Why do Singaporeans talk like that....?
I was preparing something for my visitors from Sweden to Singapore when it crossed my mind to introduce some essential Singlish terms to them. So as they will not get a heart attack when they hear my fellow Singaporeans speak in public. Then I thought, why not write about it.
Singlish is a rojak language only spoken by Singaporeans and anyone who has lived in Singapore long enough to master the language. As proud as I am as a Singaporean, Singlish is often described as "weird", "gibberish" and "shameful". I mean, even the government discourage the use of Singlish at one point of time. So much so, that there was a Speak Good English campaign launched by our then Prime Minister, Mr. Goh Chok Tong, on the 20th April 2000 "to encourage Singaporeans to speak grammatically correct English that is universally understood." That serious! To be fair, I can't speak Singlish to my Swedish friends. They won't understand a thing I say!
Unless you are in tune or familiar with the musical lingo of Singlish, you won't be able to know where these people come from. Just like the Scottish accent, Singlish is unique and distinctive. As someone who used to live abroad (and WILL live abroad again), it is rather pleasant to hear Singlish in unfamiliar territory. I remember when I first arrived in Stockholm, while I was on the tunnelbanan on my way to school, I overheard a voice, "Wah lao eh...Why like that?". In my head, "OMG! Confirm Singaporeans!"
NO! I am not ashamed of Singlish. It's fun to use it when I get mad at some Swedes (and friends...hehehe). Cursing them in Singlish! Hahahaha...I'm sure we've all done that when we're abroad. The best part is I taught my Swedish friends some Singlish which they do find it handy when encountering unpleasant situations at work or in public. I even taught stuff like "Lah/Leh/Meh" and "Alamak" to my students when I was presenting something about Singapore at an event in my school where I was teaching English. So much fun!
Ok. Let's get right into this!
What is Singlish?
It is said that Singlish is the fifth language of Singapore. It is basically Englsih with a mixture of the languages spoken in Singapore which are Malay , Chinese and Tamil dialects. Confused? Probably Singlish is far more complicated than Swinglish because it's just a mixture of Swedish and English.
Why Singlish?
Perhaps it's because some words in English may not represent accurately the context and sentiments of what we want to say, so we mix it up. It's easier that way. Just like I often use the term "lagom" ... not too little, not too much...just nice.
The Essentials
Let's dive straight into this. So, here are some Essential Singlish terms that you need to know...of course there are others which I will try my best to put it here as much as my brain can recall...there are definitely more that what I've listed here...
ROJAK
A popular salad of Java orgin in Singapore, features a vibrant mix of cucumber, pineapple, taupok (puffy, fried tofu), jicama, bean sprouts and cut-up youtiaos, and garnish with peanuts and chilli dressing. Sometimes in some stalls, they add slices of young mangoes and green apples.
So, that explains why Singapore is a rojak country and Singlish is rojak language. One island, many many different race and religion living rather harmoniously with each other.
ALAMAK (OH MY GOD)
Expressing feelings of surprise, amazement, shock or irritable. It has the same meaning as "wah lao" and/or "wah piang".
Example:
"Alamak! Did I see what I just saw?"
SHIOK / SYIOK
Typically used to describe dishes. This Malay slang can also be used to describe one's feelings of satisfaction, delighted or excitement.
Example:
"Wah! This chilli crab is spicy but syiok!"
LAH / LEH / MEH
We like to add these words at the end of our sentences for emphasis.
Example:
"Like that one, meh?"
"Okay lah. Can already."
"It's okay leh. No need to alter the pants. The length is just nice."
MAKAN
This word simply means 'eat' in the Malay language.
Example:
"What to makan today for lunch, ah?"
CHOPE
This is a verb. We like to place a packet of tissue papers on the table especially at hawker centers to show that that particular table or seat is taken. So, it's best to find another table to sit. Removing the packet of tissue papers can cause havoc.
Example:
"We chope this table. Can, ah?" (placing a packet of tissue paper or water bottle on the table.)
DA BAO
Da bao is a Cantonese word for 'to pack' commonly used to indicate "take away" at a food stall.
Example:
"Uncle, kopi O ice one. Da bao."
PAISEH
This is a Hokkien term to describe being shy or embarrased.
Example:
"Eh...come...come....eat....eat....don't paiseh ah... make yourself at home."
YAYA PAPAYA
This term is an adjective in the Singlish dictionary. It is often used to describe someone who is arrogant and loves to show off.
Example:
"Nobody like her lah...she damn yaya papaya one...Ignore her."
SIAN
Whenever you feel bored or tired of something, use this expression to emphasise how tired or bored you are.
Example:
"Every day say say also no use...I damn sian talking to him lah. Don't listen to advice. Sian."
KPKB - Kao Peh Kao Bu
Aaaah. I like this one... I think you will, too.
While the original meaning of this Hokkien phrase was to describe someone who cries uncontrollably at a parent's passing, it has now been adopted to describe someone who is overly dramatic or vocal, especially when complaining and using foul language.
Example:
"See lah! Don't come kao peh kao bu to me. I told you already, he won't admit his mistakes one..!"
GOONDU
This is an adjective used to describe someone who is stupid or someone who acts like an idiot.
Example:
"How many times must I tell you? The red file goes into that box. You goodnu or what?!
BLUR LIKE SOTONG
A common phrase used to describe someone who is totally cluless towards his/her surroundings. I can guarantee that you will have ONE person like this in your team.
Sotong is Malay for squid, by the way.
Example:
"Hello....Are you listening to what I say? The red file goes into THAT box! Haiyaa! You deaf or blur like sotong?"
CHICKEN FEED
This is our own version of the English phrase: "piece of cake".
Example:
"Today's Maths paper is so easy. Chicken Feed. Sure can pass!"
GRANDFATHER'S ROAD
This is another common Singlish phrase and it's one of my favourites.
Use this phrase to tell people off when they block your path on a public place or road.
Example:
"Hello. Can don't stand here and block the escalator?!..Think what?! Your grandfather's road ah?!"
Okay. So that's 15 essential common Singlish you need to know... at least for now.
If you like to learn more, check this out:
Or you can purchase a Coxford Dictionary from Kinokuniya Book Store. Have fun!
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