{"id":50400,"date":"2026-01-16T09:00:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T01:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/?p=50400"},"modified":"2026-01-16T11:42:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T03:42:43","slug":"singlish-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Singlish 101 guide: A dictionary of common Singlish words and local slang for visitors in Singapore"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Singlish is a playful, expressive mix of languages and dialects like English, Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and more. You may have heard Singaporeans sprinkle words like \u201clah\u201d or \u201ccan\u201d into every sentence. Love it or not, Singlish is a huge part of local culture. Here\u2019s your handy guide to the meaning behind the most common Singlish words, terms and phrases, and how to use them (without sounding too blur). For a deep dive, check out our guides on <a href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/reasons-why-we-love-singapore\/\">reasons why we love\u00a0Singapore<\/a> and how to <a href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/order-kopi-singapore\/\">order kopi in Singapore<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_72 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Singlish dictionary<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #333333;color:#333333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #333333;color:#333333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#what-is-singlish\" title=\"What is Singlish?\">What is Singlish?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#why-singlish-matters-in-singaporean-culture\" title=\"Why Singlish matters in Singaporean culture\">Why Singlish matters in Singaporean culture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#singlish-dictionary-all-the-words-and-phrases-you-need-to-know\" title=\"Words and phrases you need to know\">Words and phrases you need to know<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#1-act-blur\" title=\"1. Act blur\">1. Act blur<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#2-agak-agak\" title=\"2. Agak agak\">2. Agak agak<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#3-aiyoh\" title=\"3. Aiyoh\">3. Aiyoh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#4-alamak\" title=\"4. Alamak\">4. Alamak<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#5-arrow\" title=\"5. Arrow\">5. Arrow<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#6-atas\" title=\"6. Atas\">6. Atas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#7-bo-chap\" title=\"7. Bo chap\">7. Bo chap<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#8-bo-jio\" title=\"8. Bo jio\">8. Bo jio<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#9-bo-liao\" title=\"9. Bo liao\">9. Bo liao<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#10-boleh\" title=\"10. Boleh\">10. Boleh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#11-can-or-not\" title=\"11. Can or not?\">11. Can or not?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#12-catch-no-ball\" title=\"12. Catch no ball\">12. Catch no ball<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#13-cheem\" title=\"13. Cheem\">13. Cheem<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#14-chiong\" title=\"14. Chiong\">14. Chiong<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#15-chope\" title=\"15. Chope\">15. Chope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#16-cmi\" title=\"16. CMI\">16. CMI<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#17-come-i-clap-for-you\" title=\"17. Come, I clap for you\">17. Come, I clap for you<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#18-diam\" title=\"18. Diam\">18. Diam<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#19-die-die-must-try\" title=\"19. Die die must try\">19. Die die must try<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#20-eh\" title=\"20. Eh\">20. Eh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#21-eye-power\" title=\"21. Eye power\">21. Eye power<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#22-geh-kiang\" title=\"22. Geh kiang\">22. Geh kiang<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#23-huat\" title=\"23. Huat\">23. Huat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#24-jia-lat\" title=\"24. Jia lat\">24. Jia lat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#25-kaki\" title=\"25. Kaki\">25. Kaki<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#26-kaypoh\" title=\"26. Kaypoh\">26. Kaypoh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#27-kena\" title=\"27. Kena\">27. Kena<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#28-kiasu\" title=\"28. Kiasu\">28. Kiasu<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#29-lah\" title=\"29. Lah\">29. Lah<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#30-leh\" title=\"30. Leh\">30. Leh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#31-lepak\" title=\"31. Lepak\">31. Lepak<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#32-lobang\" title=\"32. Lobang\">32. Lobang<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#33-lor\" title=\"33. Lor\">33. Lor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#34-makan\" title=\"34. Makan\">34. Makan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#35-nua\" title=\"35. Nua\">35. Nua<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#36-own-time-own-target\" title=\"36. Own time own target\">36. Own time own target<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#37-paiseh\" title=\"37. Paiseh\">37. Paiseh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#38-pang-seh\" title=\"38. Pang seh\">38. Pang seh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#39-ponteng\" title=\"39. Ponteng\">39. Ponteng<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#40-sabo\" title=\"40. Sabo\">40. Sabo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#41-shag\" title=\"41. Shag\">41. Shag<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#42-shiok\" title=\"42. Shiok\">42. Shiok<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#43-sian\" title=\"43. Sian\">43. Sian<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#44-siao\" title=\"44. Siao\">44. Siao<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#45-spoil-market\" title=\"45. Spoil market\">45. Spoil market<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#46-steady\" title=\"46. Steady\">46. Steady<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#47-swee\" title=\"47. Swee\">47. Swee<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#48-tak-boleh-tahan-buay-tahan\" title=\"48. Tak boleh tahan \/ Buay tahan\">48. Tak boleh tahan \/ Buay tahan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#49-tapao-dabao\" title=\"49. Tapao \/ Dabao\">49. Tapao \/ Dabao<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#50-tolong\" title=\"50. Tolong\">50. Tolong<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-54\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#51-ulu\" title=\"51. Ulu\">51. Ulu<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-55\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#52-walao\" title=\"52. Walao\">52. Walao<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-56\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#53-wayang\" title=\"53. Wayang\">53. Wayang<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-57\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#54-zai\" title=\"54. Zai\">54. Zai<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-58\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#55-zhng\" title=\"55. Zhng\">55. Zhng<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-59\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#frequently-asked-questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-60\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#what-is-singlish-2\" title=\"What is Singlish?\">What is Singlish?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-61\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#is-singlish-a-real-language\" title=\"Is Singlish a real language?\">Is Singlish a real language?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-62\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#why-do-singaporeans-use-singlish\" title=\"Why do Singaporeans use Singlish?\">Why do Singaporeans use Singlish?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-63\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#is-singlish-used-in-formal-situations-in-singapore\" title=\"Is Singlish used in formal situations in Singapore?\">Is Singlish used in formal situations in Singapore?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-64\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/#how-can-i-learn-singlish-quickly\" title=\"How can I learn Singlish quickly?\">How can I learn Singlish quickly?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-singlish\"><\/span>What is Singlish?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_311251\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-311251\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-311251 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-words-and-phrases-little-drom-store-900x643.png\" alt=\"singlish words and phrases | little drom store\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-words-and-phrases-little-drom-store-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-words-and-phrases-little-drom-store-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-words-and-phrases-little-drom-store.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-311251\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photography: The Little Drom Store via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"1310\" data-end=\"1598\">Singlish is Singapore\u2019s version of English: casual, colloquial, and full of character. While English is its base, the grammar, rhythm and vocabulary are shaped by many languages spoken in the country.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"2129\">One of the most iconic features of Singlish is its sentence-ending particles, such as &#8220;lah&#8221;, &#8220;leh&#8221;, &#8220;lor&#8221; and &#8220;meh&#8221;. These words don\u2019t have direct translations, but they change the tone of a sentence, adding emphasis, reassurance, sarcasm or disbelief.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"2129\">Singlish isn\u2019t typically used in formal settings (such as job interviews), but in everyday life, it\u2019s common to hear people using it. Efficient, expressive, and packed with personality, it\u2019s how Singaporeans speak when they\u2019re being their most authentic.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"2129\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why-singlish-matters-in-singaporean-culture\"><\/span>Why Singlish matters in Singaporean culture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_311250\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-311250\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-311250 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-words-phrases-when-i-was-four-900x643.png\" alt=\"singlish words phrases | when i was four\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-words-phrases-when-i-was-four-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-words-phrases-when-i-was-four-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-words-phrases-when-i-was-four.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-311250\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photography: When I Was Four via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"305\" data-end=\"735\">To understand Singapore, you\u2019ll need to understand Singlish. It\u2019s how locals connect, commiserate, joke, and get straight to the point. Singlish isn\u2019t something you learn from a textbook; you&#8217;ll pick it up by living here, listening in, and having kopi with friends who end every sentence with \u201clah\u201d.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"737\" data-end=\"1281\">Born from Singapore\u2019s multicultural roots, Singlish efficiently and informally blends English with words from Malay, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Tamil and more. Whether you\u2019re new to the city, visiting for the first time, or a long-time resident who uses these phrases daily, understanding Singlish gives you a deeper peek into how Singaporeans really think, feel and communicate.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"singlish-dictionary-all-the-words-and-phrases-you-need-to-know\"><\/span>Singlish dictionary: All the words and phrases you need to know<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_242625\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-242625\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-242625 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-independent-market-pouches-900x643.png\" alt=\"singlish | independent market pouches\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-independent-market-pouches-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-independent-market-pouches-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-independent-market-pouches.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-242625\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photography: Independent Market via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-act-blur\"><\/span>1. Act blur<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To play the innocent card or act ignorant.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cDon\u2019t act blur, I know you pretended to like him for his money.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-agak-agak\"><\/span>2. Agak agak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: The Malay phrase means to have a rough estimate.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;How much sugar should I add to my tea? Just agak agak!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-aiyoh\"><\/span>3. Aiyoh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: An expression of surprise, and\/or annoyance.\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Aiyoh, what happened to your clothes? Why are they so dirty?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-alamak\"><\/span>4. Alamak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Singlish equivalent of &#8220;oh my gosh&#8221; or &#8220;oh man&#8221;.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Alamak, I didn&#8217;t know today was a public holiday!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-arrow\"><\/span>5. Arrow<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To dump a task on someone else, rather than complete it yourself.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Ugh, my colleague arrowed me to organise the company event again.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6-atas\"><\/span>6. Atas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To be posh or of high social status.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Whoa, I&#8217;ve never been to a fine dining restaurant. So atas!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7-bo-chap\"><\/span>7. Bo chap<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: It translates to &#8220;don\u2019t care&#8221; in Hokkien, referring to someone indifferent.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cShe&#8217;s so bo chap at work, she only does the bare minimum.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_311252\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-311252\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-311252 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-dictionary-singapore-independent-market-900x643.png\" alt=\"singlish dictionary singapore | independent market\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-dictionary-singapore-independent-market-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-dictionary-singapore-independent-market-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-dictionary-singapore-independent-market.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-311252\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photography: Independent Market via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8-bo-jio\"><\/span>8. Bo jio<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Hokkien for not getting an invitation.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;You went to Johor Bahru last weekend? Bo jio! I wanted to go too!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9-bo-liao\"><\/span>9. Bo liao<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Feeling bored or idle, like there\u2019s nothing better to do.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cWhy did you waste your time on that puzzle? Bo liao!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-boleh\"><\/span>10. Boleh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A Malay word for &#8220;can&#8221;, or &#8220;possible&#8221;.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;You&#8217;ll check the flight timings, and I\u2019ll handle the bookings. Boleh?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11-can-or-not\"><\/span>11. Can or not?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A way of asking if something is possible or can be achieved.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;The project is due tomorrow. Can you finish it or not?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12-catch-no-ball\"><\/span>12. Catch no ball<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To be absolutely clueless.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Look at him, floundering all over the place. Catch no ball!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13-cheem\"><\/span>13. Cheem<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Something that has you dumbfounded, perplexed, bewildered or confused.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;That exam was so cheem, I didn&#8217;t understand it at all.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14-chiong\"><\/span>14. Chiong<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To rush, to hurry, or to give your all to complete something.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cWe have to chiong to the finish line so we won&#8217;t be in last place!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_242629\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-242629\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-242629 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-alamak-tote-wet-tee-shirt-900x643.png\" alt=\"singlish alamak tote | wet tee shirt\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-alamak-tote-wet-tee-shirt-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-alamak-tote-wet-tee-shirt-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-alamak-tote-wet-tee-shirt.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-242629\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photography: Wet Tee Shirt via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15-chope\"><\/span>15. Chope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To reserve a place or call dibs on something.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Can you chope a seat at the hawker centre for me?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16-cmi\"><\/span>16. CMI<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: The abbreviation for &#8220;cannot make it&#8221; refers to the inferior attributes of someone (or something).<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cThis design looks so basic, really CMI.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17-come-i-clap-for-you\"><\/span>17. Come, I clap for you<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A sarcastic way of praising someone.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;You finally made good on your promise after years. Come, I clap for you.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18-diam\"><\/span>18. Diam<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: It&#8217;s used to tell someone to shut up, typically in an angry way.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Eh diam la. The bride and groom are giving their speech.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19-die-die-must-try\"><\/span>19. Die die must try<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To express something so good that you have to try it \u2013 no matter what.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;I\u2019m not kidding, this place has the best noodles. Die die must try.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20-eh\"><\/span>20. Eh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A way to address people or get their attention.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Eh, I\u2019m going to check out that new cafe, wanna come?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21-eye-power\"><\/span>21. Eye power<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Someone who doesn\u2019t extend help. Instead, they just stand around and stare as if their eyes can offer assistance.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cDon\u2019t eye power leh, come over and help us move the furniture.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_273722\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-273722\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-273722 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/singlish-singapore-notebook-900x643.png\" alt=\"singlish | singapore notebook\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/singlish-singapore-notebook-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/singlish-singapore-notebook-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/singlish-singapore-notebook.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-273722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photography: The Little Drom Store via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22-geh-kiang\"><\/span>22. Geh kiang<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Someone who acts rashly and without thought.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;If you don&#8217;t know what you&#8217;re doing, don&#8217;t geh kiang.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"23-huat\"><\/span>23. Huat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Hokkien for &#8220;to prosper&#8221;.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cHuat ah, I got a huge increase in my salary this year!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"24-jia-lat\"><\/span>24. Jia lat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Basically, nothing&#8217;s going your way.\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Jia lat, we&#8217;re running late for our flight!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"25-kaki\"><\/span>25. Kaki<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A close friend or buddy.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;She&#8217;s my makan kaki. We hunt down hidden hawker gems every week together.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"26-kaypoh\"><\/span>26. Kaypoh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To be a busybody.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Hey, don&#8217;t be kaypoh, just let the couple work out their own problems.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"27-kena\"><\/span>27. Kena<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A Malay word to describe being affected by or to receive something negative.<br \/>\n<\/strong><em>Example: &#8220;Help, my boss assigned me a rude client to work with. I always kena the worst clients!&#8221;<\/em><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"28-kiasu\"><\/span>28. Kiasu<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A fiercely competitive spirit.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;She&#8217;s been in line since 5am to get that toy everyone&#8217;s talking about \u2013 so kiasu!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_287684\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-287684\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-287684 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/singlish-singapore-wheniwasfour-900x643.png\" alt=\"singlish singapore | wheniwasfour\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/singlish-singapore-wheniwasfour-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/singlish-singapore-wheniwasfour-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/singlish-singapore-wheniwasfour.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-287684\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photography: When I Was Four via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"29-lah\"><\/span>29. Lah<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A suffix used to emphasise the sentence or word before.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;You&#8217;ll do fine on the exam, don\u2019t worry about it lah!&#8221;\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"30-leh\"><\/span>30. Leh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Use &#8216;leh&#8217; when you&#8217;re unsure about something \u2013 it&#8217;s more like a question.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example:<\/em><em> &#8220;I don\u2019t know how to get to the place leh. Can you come pick me up?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"31-lepak\"><\/span>31. Lepak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Chilling without a care in the world or loitering around aimlessly.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cI have no plans this weekend, just gonna lepak at home.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"32-lobang\"><\/span>32. Lobang<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Tips, clues, opportunities or deals.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cHey, I got lobang for furniture on sale. You in?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"33-lor\"><\/span>33. Lor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: It holds a sense of resignation and finality. Think c&#8217;est la vie with a sense of ennui.\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;My boss doesn&#8217;t like me lor, that&#8217;s why my colleague is always the one getting the promotions.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"34-makan\"><\/span>34. Makan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: The Malay word for eat.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;It&#8217;s lunchtime, and I&#8217;m hungry. Wanna go makan?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"35-nua\"><\/span>35. Nua<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To laze around and relax like a couch potato.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;You&#8217;ve been on the sofa all day. Don&#8217;t nua at home, go meet your friends!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_242627\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-242627\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-242627 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-when-i-was-four-phone-holder-900x643.png\" alt=\"singlish | when i was four phone holder\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-when-i-was-four-phone-holder-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-when-i-was-four-phone-holder-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-when-i-was-four-phone-holder.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-242627\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photography: When I Was Four via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"36-own-time-own-target\"><\/span>36. Own time own target<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To do things at your own pace.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Let&#8217;s split up into groups and meet back here later &#8211; own time own target.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"37-paiseh\"><\/span>37. Paiseh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A Hokkien term for being embarrassed or shy.\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Paiseh, I woke up late today. Sorry for making you wait.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"38-pang-seh\"><\/span>38. Pang seh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To stand someone up or to cop out.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cHe pang seh us to go on a date with his girlfriend again.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"39-ponteng\"><\/span>39. Ponteng<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: It&#8217;s Malay for &#8220;playing truant&#8221;, but it can be used if you want to give anything a miss.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Do you want to ponteng school tomorrow?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"40-sabo\"><\/span>40. Sabo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A shortened version of the word sabotage, used when playing a practical joke on others or even causing deliberate harm.\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;You betrayed your friend just to win the competition? You\u2019re the sabo king.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"41-shag\"><\/span>41. Shag<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To feel physically tired or exhausted. Not to be confused with the English use of the word (if you know what we mean).<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;I just ran a marathon yesterday. Shag!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"42-shiok\"><\/span>42. Shiok<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Fantastic, or to convey feelings of satisfaction and pleasure.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;This prata place has amazing food \u2013 so shiok.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_273723\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-273723\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-273723 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/singlish-singapore-huat-ah-900x643.png\" alt=\"singlish singapore | huat ah\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/singlish-singapore-huat-ah-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/singlish-singapore-huat-ah-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/singlish-singapore-huat-ah.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-273723\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photography: The Little Drom Store via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"43-sian\"><\/span>43. Sian<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Experiencing boredom, a lack of enthusiasm, or just being tired of life.\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Time passes by so slowly when you have nothing to do at work. Sian.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"44-siao\"><\/span>44. Siao<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Hokkien for crazy.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Did you just challenge that bodybuilder to a weightlifting competition? Siao!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"45-spoil-market\"><\/span>45. Spoil market<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A Singlish term for overachieving. This is someone who has raised the bar so high that no one can compete.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;You gave your girlfriend a Chanel bag <\/em><em>AND a trip to Paris for her birthday? Spoil market!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"46-steady\"><\/span>46. Steady<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: It can take on different meanings, including agreeing with someone, giving them praise or being in a romantic relationship with a partner.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;I asked her to go steady, and she said yes!&#8221; or &#8220;Let&#8217;s catch the midnight premiere of this show. Okay, steady!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"47-swee\"><\/span>47. Swee<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A compliment to describe something as beautiful or perfect.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: \u201cI saw your holiday photos in Japan. So swee!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"48-tak-boleh-tahan-buay-tahan\"><\/span>48. Tak boleh tahan \/ Buay tahan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: When you can&#8217;t tolerate something.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Argh, he\u2019s so annoying. Buay tahan!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"49-tapao-dabao\"><\/span>49. Tapao \/ Dabao<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: The Singlish equivalent of takeaway.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;I\u2019m going to tapao lunch from our favourite hawker stall. Want anything?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_242626\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-242626\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-242626 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-thanks-notebook-little-drom-store-900x643.png\" alt=\"singlish | thanks notebook little drom store\" width=\"900\" height=\"643\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-thanks-notebook-little-drom-store-900x643.png 900w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-thanks-notebook-little-drom-store-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/singlish-thanks-notebook-little-drom-store.png 1400w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/643;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-242626\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photography: The Little Drom Store via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"50-tolong\"><\/span>50. Tolong<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A cry for help.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Tolong la, please lend me a couple of bucks today.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"51-ulu\"><\/span>51. Ulu<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: Somewhere secluded and inaccessible.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;Huh, you want to go to the Kranji farms? So ulu!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"52-walao\"><\/span>52. Walao<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: An expression of shock, disbelief or dismay.<\/strong><em><br \/>\nExample: &#8220;Walao, the opposing team won again. It&#8217;s so unfair!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"53-wayang\"><\/span>53. Wayang<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: The Malay word for acting in a performance or a show. In Singlish terms, it&#8217;s used to describe someone who&#8217;s being fake.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;He always wayang in front of the bosses; I can&#8217;t stand it.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"54-zai\"><\/span>54. Zai<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: A Hokkien term that means steady and skilled, used to compliment someone for tackling something calmly, like a pro.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;She&#8217;s so zai at her job, all the bosses love her.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"55-zhng\"><\/span>55. Zhng<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>English meaning: To modify, embellish, or redecorate.<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Example: &#8220;You zhng your car again? It looks so cool!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>So, which Singlish word, phrase or term do you use most often?<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"faqs-accordion\"><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-singlish-2\"><\/span>What is Singlish?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div><p>Singlish is an informal way of speaking English in Singapore, influenced by languages like Malay, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese and Tamil. It\u2019s commonly used in everyday conversations and reflects Singapore\u2019s multicultural identity.<\/p>\n<\/div><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-singlish-a-real-language\"><\/span>Is Singlish a real language?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div><p>While Singlish isn\u2019t officially recognised as a formal language, it\u2019s widely considered a creole unique to Singapore. Locals use it daily, especially in casual settings, and it plays an important role in Singapore culture and identity.<\/p>\n<\/div><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why-do-singaporeans-use-singlish\"><\/span>Why do Singaporeans use Singlish?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div><p>Singlish is efficient, expressive, and feels natural to locals. It helps convey tone, emotion and intent quickly - something standard English doesn\u2019t always do as well. It\u2019s also a social connector that signals familiarity and shared cultural understanding in Singapore.<\/p>\n<\/div><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-singlish-used-in-formal-situations-in-singapore\"><\/span>Is Singlish used in formal situations in Singapore?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div><p>Singlish is mostly used in informal settings like conversations with friends, family or colleagues. In professional or official contexts, standard English is usually preferred, but you might still hear a Singlish word slip in casually.<\/p>\n<\/div><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-can-i-learn-singlish-quickly\"><\/span>How can I learn Singlish quickly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div><p>The best way to learn Singlish is by listening to how locals speak - at hawker centres, in taxis, or on public transport. Watching local content and picking up commonly used words (like those in this guide) also helps you understand how Singlish is used in real life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is Singlish?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Singlish is an informal way of speaking English in Singapore, influenced by languages like Malay, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese and Tamil. 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Here\u2019s your handy guide to the meaning behind the most common Singlish [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":107486,"featured_media":311253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[146166],"tags":[37098],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.7 (Yoast SEO v23.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Singlish 101 Guide: A Dictionary of Local Slang in Singapore<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Our useful Singlish slang dictionary reveals the meaning of all the common words, phrases, and terms you need to know in Singapore.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Singlish 101 guide: A dictionary of common Singlish words and local slang for visitors in Singapore\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Singlish is a playful, expressive mix of languages and dialects like English, Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and more. You may have heard Singaporeans\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/singlish-101\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Honeycombers Singapore\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thehoneycombers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-16T01:00:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-16T03:42:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/singlish-dictionary-words-little-drom-store.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Benita Lee\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" 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