cool.
“Wah” is an expression of delight or surprise, “shiok” means cool, and “yum cha” is a type of Chinese brunch.
Contents
What does shiok really mean?
Shiok is a borrowing from Malay that has acquired multiple uses and meanings in everyday Singapore English. It is an exclamation expressing admiration or approval, just like ‘cool! ‘ and ‘great!
Is shiok a Hokkien?
To express sheer delight with an experience, especially when eating great food. Popularly exclaimed in a single word “Shiok!”, or combined with another – “Shiok man!”, “So shiok!”Literally means ‘eat potato‘. Formed by the Hokkien term “Jiak” (eat) and Malay term “Kentang” (potato).
What does Leh mean in Singapore?
Lah, Lor, Leh, Meh
“I’ve got no choice, So I just did it lor.” (Here, “lor” is used to express acceptance or resignation.) “I didn’t know you have to do it like that leh.” (Here, “leh” is used to show uncertainty, a little more doubtful compared to “lah”.)
Why do Singaporeans say can?
Similar to the original English term, “can” literally means “can”, or “be able to”. The Singaporean usage of “can”, however, is an amazing one. It’s a positive affirmation that’s confident, effective, and extremely efficient.
Is shiok in the dictionary?
Several Singaporean and Hong Kong English terms, including “wah”, “shiok” and “yum cha”, are now officially recognised as acceptable English. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) added 19 Singaporean terms and 13 Hong Kong terms in its latest update.
What English does Singapore use?
Although Standard Singapore English (SSE) is mainly influenced by British English and, recently, American English, there are other languages that also contribute to its use on a regular basis. The majority of Singaporeans speak more than one language, with many speaking three to four.
What Does Ang Moh mean in Singapore?
Ang mo or ang moh (Hokkien POJ: âng-mô͘ / âng-mn̂g; Chinese characters: 紅毛) is a racial descriptor used to refer to white people that is sometimes seen as a pejorative epithet. It is mainly used in Singapore and Taiwan, and to a lesser extent Malaysia and Thailand.
What is JIAK kantang?
‘to eat grass’) 1.jiak kantang – (From Hokkien jiak (eat) and Malay kentang (potato), lit. ‘eat potato’) It is a pejorative term referring to pompous condescending intellectuals who are slightly more educated about Western cultures. “Eating more potato” means more westernized than being Asian (eating rice).
What is the meaning of Abuden?
“Abuden?” – Combination of Hokkien “A-bo”, meaning “if not” in English, and the word “then”. It is also equivalent to simply saying “Obviously“. Usually used a sarcastic response to an obvious observation or question.
What does Chim mean in Singapore?
Chim (cheem): Origins are unclear, but probably Hokkien; it means intellectual or profound, sometimes also used with a condescending tone. Example: “What is this professor talking about? He’s too chim, I don’t understand him at all!”
What is Hello Singapore?
Ni hao
Hello – Ni hao (Nee how) How are you? – Ni hao ma? (Nee how ma) Very good – Hen hao (hun hao)
What does Makan mean in Singapore?
Makan (mah-kahn) / eat or food | © Culture Trip. This Malay term can be used to describe food (‘makan! ‘) or the action of having a meal (as in ‘let’s go makan’). Tabao (da-bao) / Takeaway. This term is mostly used in hawker centres when you want to bag your food for takeaway.
Is LAH in Oxford dictionary?
lah noun – Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com.
What is Sabo mean?
sabotage
Sabo, an abbreviated form of the English word sabotage, is a Singaporean slang term that means tricking people or intentionally making trouble for them, especially to gain a personal advantage.
What is Lepak?
Lepak is used to describe chilling out, to relax at a place or home by not doing anything. It is a form of enjoyment that is carefree and stress-free.
What is Singapore first language?
Malay
| Languages of Singapore | |
|---|---|
| Official | English, Standard Chinese (Mandarin), Malay, Tamil |
| National | Malay |
| Main | English (de facto) Malay (de jure) |
| Minority | Cantonese, Hokkien, Hainanese, Hakka, Teochew, Indonesian, Javanese, Japanese, Korean, Punjabi, Urdu |
What do Malaysians speak?
Malay
Does Singapore use American spelling?
Although Singapore English is based on British spelling, there is a mix of British and American usage for common words. I’ve also included a few Singlish words/phrases for a bit of fun.
Why is it called Ang Mo Kio?
History of Ang Mo Kio
Ang Mo Kio in Hokkien literally means the ‘red-haired man’s bridge’, where ang mo is a colloquial term for a Caucasian person. The name makes reference to the bridge over Kallang River in the area, built by Johnson Turnball Thomson, Government Surveyor of the Straits Settlement from 1841 to 1853.
What does KIO mean in Hokkien?
bridge
The old Hokkien “kio” (meaning bridge or bridges) are often designation of the local name of the places related to the landmark such as a bridge or as in the case of Ang Mo Kio denoting several bridges in existence.
