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Talk the talk - Singapore Slang

2 Nov 2011

It’s no secret that the Singaporeans have been known for Singlish, the country's colloquial version of the English language. Common identifiers of Singlish include the iconic terms “lah” “leh” and “hor”. Since Singaporean culture is a mix of Malaysian, Chinese and Indian, its slang too is a great cocktail of phrases with roots in these languages. But before you run about the streets of Singapore and complain that you don't get any the local jargon, or as the locals like to put it, “catch no ball”, here are some terms that will hopefully give you a decent grasp of the chitchat around town and help you immerse in the culture:

Ah beng (ah-bayng): The Singaporean version of a hillbilly. It’s also used to refer to a gangster. Another term for gangster is “pai kia”.

Ah lian (ah-lee-ann): This one’s the female version of the ah beng.

Alamak (ah-lah-mahk): Means “Oh my goodness!”, only more shocked. It can be used in anger.

Atas (ah-tahs): Used to describe places that are "high-class" and for the rich. It can also be used to describe someone who is snobbish. 

Barang barang (bah-rahng bah-rahng): A Malay term for “personal belongings”. 

Cheemology (chee-mo-lo-gy): Used to describe a subject that is profound or too deep.  It can also be used when someone uses bombastic phrases during speech. The term is derived from the Hokkien word, “cheem”, which means “intellectual”.

Chiong (chee-ohng): A hokkien term used to describe the act of rushing forward, which is used as a verb (or a command). It's usually used when you are late for an event, or are perhaps just rushing to join a snaking queue at the food centre.

England: Yes, this is a country, but sometimes it is used as a deliberate mispronunciation of the word, English (language). For example, "your England is very bad."

Kayu (kah-yoo): Meaning “cheat”. If you happen to be watching a football match in town, it’s not uncommon to hear “referee kayu," which refers to soccer matches that have been "fixed." This, however, is not to be used when being "ripped off" by street vendors.

Kopitiam (ko–pee-tee-ahm): This term, with Malay and Hokkien origins, literally means “coffee shop”, which refers to a type of food centres in the country that serve very good coffee - in local style - and cheap-and-cheery food. 

Kosong (ko-song) : Literally meaning "empty" in Malay, this term is handy when you want to order a dish plain without the toppings, or coffee and tea without sugar. 

Lah (la): One of the most identifiable traits of the local slang, “lah” is added at the end of a sentence for emphasis or exclamation. Many times, "lah" can be used endearingly while some would add the phrase almost subconsciously at the end of sentences. 

Leh (layh): Also added at the end of a sentence for emphasis. It can sometimes be used at the end of a question for the same effect.

Macam (Mah-chahm): Meaning “like” or “resemble” something or someone, this is a malay term. (Note: “only” can be added at the end of the sentence after "macam" for more emphasis, for example, "you talk macam American only," which means "you talk like an American.") 

Shiok (shi-ohk): An exclamation to proclaim satisfaction or pleasure, generally after a meal. Basically, a verbal thumbs-up.  

Steady: While this is an English word, it can be used to praise someone for his/her strength or capability. For example, if you've gotten through this list without too much confusion, you're rather steady. 

Ulu (oo-loo): This term is generally used to describe a remote area. Not to be confused with street names that start with the prefix, “ulu”.  

Considering the fact that there are Singlish dictionaries and iPhone applications for the evolving creole, this list is by no means exhaustive. Please feel free to contribute in the comments box below. 

Tiffany Sandrasageran 

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