Singlish words. Singlish typically occurs about 0.

Singlish words Singlish is a unique creole that serves as a testament to Singapore’s multicultural and multilingual Aug 3, 2025 · Language Matters | What Singlish words and phrases going mainstream tell us about Singaporean identity From ‘blur like sotong’ to shiok, the use of Singlish, once explicitly discouraged, is Aug 21, 2011 · Below is a list of the most common Singlish words and phrases that are influenced by Malay, Hokkien and Cantonese. singlish Today, Singlish is a part of Singaporean identity and culture. We hope to collect enough free associations in order to build the first cognitive language network of Singapore English words. Some examples include "Hong Gan" meaning "Get fucked!", "Tio Gan" meaning "Being fucked", and "Hor Gui Gan" meaning "Fucked by ghost". Jan 12, 2025 · Singlish Sentence Structures Singlish often employs distinctive sentence structures that deviate from standard English. Act blur What it means: To play the innocent card or act ignorant. Oct 10, 2024 · From basic Mandarin to must-know Singlish phrases, we rounded up 50 of the most helpful phrases to get around Singapore! Sinhala Transliteration (Singlish to Sinhala) Converter is an app that converts text typed in English letters to their equivalent letters in Sinhala (i. If you’ve ever wondered why Singaporeans use “lah” or “shiok” in almost every sentence, you May 22, 2025 · Master Singlish in Singapore! Learn its origins, top Singlish words like 'lah,' and tips to sound like a local with this fun guide. Apr 18, 2024 · We report data from the Small World of Singlish Words (SWOSW) Project, where word associations are obtained for a list of common Singlish words. It extensively borrows syntax and vocabulary from the… Aug 6, 2015 · Singlish also has an array of words that are simply invented, that don't mean anything on their own, but dramatically alter the tone of what you're saying when tacked on to the end of a sentence. Singlish also uses many words borrowed from Hokkien, the non-Mandarin Chinese language native to more than 75% [citation needed] of the Chinese in Singapore, and from Malay. This guide will help you understand and speak like a local in Singapore. 01 and 0. Our blog is your guide to the essential Singlish terms that you simply can’t do without during your stay in Singapore. It will convert your Singlish Sep 30, 2019 · Many of these Singlish terms are what we use in Singaporeans' local daily verbal communications. Mar 4, 2021 · Using the earlier example of the word “Can”: When you pair it with the modifier “meh”, you typically say it with a rising, questioning tone to express disbelief or scepticism. In the National Day parade section themed “Identity – Uniquely Singapore”, alongside floats of Singaporean food, there were props depicting words from Singapore English, also known as Singlish, such as the particles “lah” and “leh” and phrases including “ blur like sotong ”. P. “That movie, very funny one. Mar 27, 2025 · The Oxford English Dictionary has added new untranslatable words from South East Asia. g. True to Singaporeans’ fondness for efficiency, Singlish is snappy with a few words packing a plethora of meaning and ideas. “Go where you?” Reduplication: Words are repeated for Dec 4, 2023 · The Singlish slang is also discussed by linguists in at least 7 Universities from Italy to Japan. Jun 27, 2025 · Here is an A-Z guide on some of the most common and fascinating Singlish slang that would confuse your foreign friends. May 13, 2016 · Listed as "Singapore English" by the OED, Singlish is Singapore's creole and usually involves loanwords from Chinese dialects and Malay or English expressions that are often used by the locals. Free . Singlish is in frequency band 3, which contains words occurring between 0. Master Singlish with 80 common phrases! From 'lah' to 'chope', learn the lingo for an authentic Singaporean experience. Ah bu Jan 25, 2022 · Singlish phrases have been a point of interest for many when it comes to learning about Singapore. Dec 19, 2024 · Singlish is an English-based creole that seamlessly integrates elements from Malay, Hokkien, Tamil, Cantonese, and other languages. Here are some common patterns: Topic-comment structure: The topic is introduced first, followed by a comment or explanation. With a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences, **Singapore’s local slang—often called Singlish—**has become an iconic part of the country’s identity. Here we shall start with learning Singlish Vocabulary. More about OED's frequency bands Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate. The Small World of Singlish Words The Small World of Singlish Words is our lab’s ongoing attempt to collect free associations for uniquely Singaporean words, like shiok, diam, sian, and chope. Singlish typically occurs about 0. “Makan”, which means Feb 14, 2025 · Discover what makes Singlish unique, from its cultural roots to its vocabulary and grammar differences from standard English May 9, 2023 · Singlish Vocabulary: Singapore English Language Introduction Local Singaporean English Language, commonly known as Singlish, is a fascinating blend of English, Malay, Tamil, and Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Teochew, and Cantonese. 8% “පැන්සල“ is a program that allows you to easily type Sinhala words in your computer real time. Singlish serves as a living testament to Singapore's multicultural fabric. So why be so lor sor (longwinded) when you can use a few choice words to get your point across? Singlish also uses imagery and metaphors in a colourful and humorous way. Some key terms explained include "act blur" which describes playing ignorant, "aiya" expressing disappointment, "atas" meaning high status, and "chope" to reserve seats. It is widely spoken in everyday conversations, in the media, and in popular culture. Great choral singers must be experts at identifying word sounds and performing each one properly. Redefines certain English words Certain English words can take on a whole new meaning in Singlish. This article breaks down popular Singlish words and meanings, shares Oct 11, 2022 · Although English is the lexifier language, Singlish has its unique slang and syntax, which are more pronounced in informal speech. The Singlish to Sinhala conversion can be done in real time as you type or can be pasted from the clipboard to the allotted textarea. May 12, 2016 · Several Singlish words had previously made it into the OED's online version, which launched in March 2000. Pick up a few easy Singlish words and speak like a local, lah. Words from Malay, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Tamil, amongst others are inserted into English sentences and the sentences are often restructured, resulting in questioning looks from expatriates whenever locals speak it. Free association data on these words were collected from a young adult population of university undergraduates using an online survey platform. Our online tool automatically converts your English input into Sinhala script. " Over time, it became incorporated into Singlish and is now widely used by Singaporeans of different ethnic backgrounds. 2000Leong Liew Geok Nov 13, 2025 · Planning a trip to Singapore? Get ready to experience local culture, complete with its unique linguistic flavor—Singlish! This fascinating blend of English and various Asian languages is a key part of the Singaporean experience. It can be defined as righter than right. TIP: English words are accepted as guesses, but the answer will always be in Singlish! How did the word zai come about? The word "Zai" originated from the Hokkien dialect, which is commonly spoken by the Chinese community in Singapore. While putting this together, I came to terms with the fact that Singlish is probably far more complex than any of us consciously Mar 28, 2014 · Singlish is the creole version of English spoken in Singapore. Now let's learn the Singapore Language! May 18, 2017 · Siao Origin: Hokkien – literally means crazy. A Small World of Singlish Words: A Word Association Study Welcome to this study on word associations in Singapore English. The Malay word 'makan' is commonly used to mean food, or the act of eating. We dish on some essential Singlish words and phrases you need! Aug 6, 2024 · 95% of Singaporeans use Singlish slang in some capacity, 33% say they do so in almost every conversation 30% of Singaporean residents say they never use Gen Z slang, and half prefer Singlish slang over Gen Z terms “Slay” is the most popular Gen Z slang word in Singapore, while “Alamak” (used to convey dismay, shock, or alarm) is the most loved Singlish slang term One in six (15% May 14, 2025 · The word 'ang moh,' for example, is a Hokkien word which literally translates to 'red hair,' but is used in Singlish to describe people of Caucasian descent. The list shows the creative ways Singlish incorporates English and non-English words to express profanity and insults. As a‍ medley of⁢ English wiht a sprinkle of Malay, Tamil, Hokkien, Cantonese, and other local dialects, Singlish is truly a reflection of Singapore’s ⁣multicultural tapestry. ” Inversion: The verb comes before the subject in questions. Here’s how to use it – “Stop talking about Calculus leh, it is too cheem for me!” #2 A Sinhala realtime Unicode and Sinhala Font converter. blur (adjective, meaning 'confused, ignorant') Sep 17, 2020 · New to Singapore? Here’s our pocket guide to the essential Singlish phrases you need to know when navigating the Lion City. Whether you're Singlish, as it’s known worldwide, is Singaporean slang influenced by a smorgasbord of languages including Malay, Tamil and Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese. Don't say we never teach you!Written by Cam KhalidContributors Cheryl Sekkappan & Mingli SeetFriday 14 July 2023AdvertisingAccording toEF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI)2022, Singaporeans arethe most proficie Explore Singlish—Singapore’s unique colloquial English. Nov 21, 2023 · The Oxford Dictionary boasts 27 Singlish words but people are baffled how these terms have earned their way into the English dictionary. We report data from the Small World of Singlish Words (SWOSW) Project, where word associations are obtained for a list of common Singlish words. [1][2] This vocabulary emerged from Mar 7, 2024 · Here, the top most annoying and most used Gen Z slang words in Singapore, as well as the most popular and hated Singlish slang words. While the debate on its implications for Standard English and its global acceptability continues, there's no denying the language's role as a cultural unifier. May 2, 2016 · The word “ang moh,” for example, is a Hokkien word which literally translates to “red hair,” but is used in Singlish to describe people of Caucasian descent. Calling Singapore home now? Here's a Singlish guide for you. On the other hand, original English words as well as words of Malay and Tamil origin are non-tonal. Over 200 Singlish Expressions Learn the fun lingo and the cheeky expressions and speak like a local with a big library of words and expressions. Type in Singlish to get Sinhala realtime Unicode and Sinhala Font for any graphic design software. com Oct 28, 2025 · English is widely used in Singapore, but here are some essential Singlish phrases to help you better understand what the locals are saying. Words with sexual, racist and vulgar meanings are not included from the list. And also there is no need to Copy or Paste Sinhala words to your Document or application. 2 days ago · Dictionary of Singlish and Singapore English - Etymology, Definitions, Meaning, Usage, Synonyms, Antonyms, Origins, Languages, and more May 27, 2025 · Singlish in Singapore is more than just slang — it’s a unique blend of English, Malay, Hokkien, Tamil, and other local languages that reflects the nation’s multicultural identity. English is a language that makes frequent use of stresses, or stressing certain syllables in sentences and words more than others. Singlish is a portmanteau of the words Singapore and English and it is used in Singapore. 01 times per million words in modern written English. The word love, for example is made up of three discreet sounds: the l sound, the uh sound, and the v sound. In addition there are some words especially associated with Singlish, and you can find many dictionaries and glossaries of these in book form and on the web (start at Talkingcock. In many cases, English words take on the meaning of their Chinese counterparts, resulting in a shift in meaning. As a native speaker, I dare say that Singlish is one of the most difficult languages to learn as a second language. [1][2][3] Singlish arose out of a situation of prolonged language contact between speakers of many different Asian languages in Singapore, such as Malay, Cantonese, Hokkien, Mandarin, Teochew, and Tamil. It is a language (an English-based creole language, to be exact) whose vocabulary is influenced by a lot of Asian languages like Malay, Hokkien, Mandarin, Chinese, Tamil, Teochew, and Cantonese. May 23, 2025 · Reduce the use of stresses in your speech. For example, “He is going” becomes “He go. Here are 50 common Singlish terms and phrases with examples. So, here’s Singlish 101 — an introductory lesson with 11 essential Singlish words you should learn to have an easier time in Singapore. Mar 8, 2024 · SINGAPORE - “Alamak” – an expression of shock or dismay – is the most popular term used in Singlish here, an inaugural study of slang used in Singapore has found. However, there has never been a complete or updated list (Singlish Dictionary is obsolete) of all Singlish terms, Singlish phrases or Singlish words published anywhere on the net. After all, how Nov 14, 2015 · Singlish can be defined as a variety of English increasingly unique to Singapore and which: comprises a rojak of words, phrases, idioms and grammar borrowed from other languages; is different from standard English in terms of grammar and pronunciation; and is in common use among Singaporeans and is widely understood. Corright: This Singlish word combines the English words correct and right. 1 times per million words in modern written English. "Lah" and "sinseh" were already included in OED's debut, while "kiasu" made it to the big Mar 27, 2025 · News "Alamak" and "tapau" are among the latest Singlish words to be added to the Oxford English Dictionary These have been described as “untranslatable words” This Singlish document defines and provides examples for common Singlish words and phrases used in Singapore. A fun exploration of Singlish terms. Singlish is more homogenous with its syllables. Dec 24, 2023 · Singlish also incorporates a lot of slang and colloquialisms, making it more expressive and colorful than standard English. Knowing when to use informal expressions, and how to ask for clarification when needed, allows you to participate in both casual chats and formal interactions comfortably. A Dictionary of Singlish and Singapore English www. May 26, 2025 · From 'lah' to 'bojio,’ learn the top Singlish words and phrases every traveller should know to sound like a true local in Singapore! May 20, 2025 · How familiar are you with these cheeky Singaporean words? Here are 10 Uniquely Singaporean Words That Any True Singaporean Would Know. Explore the unique blend of English and local languages in Singapore through this comprehensive Singlish dictionary. singlishdictionary. Feb 21, 2025 · Get to know your 'lah', 'leh, 'lor' and some basic slang words to up your Singlish game. The culmination of various languages and dialects into a local slang is perhaps something unique only to Singapore, and this might make Singlish seem more challenging than it really is. Singlish Swear words from users. Singlish (a portmanteau of Singapore and English), formally known as Colloquial Singaporean English, is an English-based creole language originating in Singapore. com Launched in 2004 0–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Bibliography Nov 25, 2015 · Anot is a common Singlish word that translates to or not. [1] For this reason, Singlish often sounds somewhat monotone to foreigners. […] May 15, 2023 · Singlish is a fusion of a variety of local languages and dialects, which is incorporated into the English language. Knowing these 15 essential Singaporean slang words will not only help you navigate the city but also bring you closer to the heart of local culture. As English is one of Singapore's official languages, Singlish is regarded as having low prestige. #1 CHEEM ‘Cheem’ is often used to describe something you cannot understand, or have been deemed too complicated. e. Apr 18, 2015 · Lah, leh, lor, and so on. Imagine having a light-hearted argument with your classmate when he thinks what is right is obvious; then he could say Corright to emphasise how very correct he is. Singlish: Word Sounds, Not Words Jim Henry, IES 2008 Every word we sing is actually a collection of individual sounds. Jan 9, 2025 · Explore Singlish, Singapore's unique English-based creole. It might be hard to catch the words at first, but once you get the hang of them, they’ll roll off your tongue! Here are just some of the many Singlish words you’ll want to know, and a little more about their Jun 11, 2020 · Even for born-and-bred Singaporeans who use Singlish words & phrases all the time, these weird & wonderful origin stories might surprise you. Moving to Singapore? Learn essential Singlish phrases for daily life! A blend of English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil to navigate Singaporean culture. Discover its origins, features, and impact on communication, identity, and business in this multicultural city-state. Singaporean swear words range from fiery insults to playful expressions, often spiced up with Singlish’s distinctive flavor. This document contains a list of Singlish swear words and phrases along with their English translations. You can now type Sinhala in anywhere easily with this . Singlish. Simply type Sinhala words phonetically using English letters as you would pronounce them. It reflects the multicultural heritage of Singapore and is a significant part of the local identity. After each guess, the color of the tiles will change to show how close your guess was to the word. Singlish (Official Translator) Colloquial Singaporean English, better known as Singlish, is an English-based creole language spoken in Singapore. Its distinctive features include: Grammar, Reinvented: Singlish often simplifies traditional English grammar. If you’ve ever wondered what is Singlish, why Singaporeans speak it, or how it differs from standard Singapore English, you’re not alone. Adjective: Singlish: “You see that new recruit over there? He looks like a “siao kia“, every time so “siao on” to fall in first in his platoon. Singapore English, colloquially known as Singlish, is a dialect of English spoken in Singapore. So try to speak with more consistent stressing of the syllables in your sentences. 2. [4] The term Singlish was May 9, 2023 · Singlish as English in Singapore: A Guide for International Students 1. In the process, it blends, bends and upends the strict rules of traditional English grammar. The top 10 most popular Gen Z slang in Singapore Slay (to do a spectacular job) — 35. Let’s just say, you’ll need actual vocabulary to speak a language. ” Signature Particles: Words like “lah,” “lor,” and “leh” infuse sentences with tone and Apr 22, 2021 · Many words used in Singlish are either borrowed from them or originally English words given a Cantonese or Hokkien interpretation. View our video archive. For example Singaporean Slang Guide Singapore may be a small island nation, but its cultural tapestry is anything but small. Some of these words come from English e. This data Singlish also uses many words borrowed from Hokkien, the non-Mandarin Chinese language native to more than 75% [citation needed] of the Chinese in Singapore, and from Malay. The main benefit is that you have to type Sinhala word as you read them in English that we call sms type. Jul 17, 2025 · Learning common Singlish words and local slang helps you understand daily conversations and feel more confident when speaking with others. Oct 20, 2023 · The word "can" has two different meanings in Singlish. 9 For example, the repetition of words or parts of words to convey specific meanings – a process that linguists term as “reduplication” – follows certain principles in Singlish. If you have no idea what any of these slang words mean, give our Gen-Z dictionary a read. Oct 11, 2024 · But fear not, as learning some Singlish phrases and words can help you immerse yourself in the local culture and make meaningful connections with the people you meet. Singlish building language the fun way! Instructor magazine ranked Singlish among the top multi-media instructional products. Aug 8, 2018 · Singlish is an unusual blend of the languages and dialects spoken in Singapore. Singlish to Sinhala converter). net is a website that showcases Singapore's unofficial national language, Singlish. Examples show how the phrases are used in conversations. Aug 3, 2025 · At Singapore’s 50th National Day celebrations on August 9, 2015, the unthinkable came to pass. Naturally Singlish uses all these words too. Oct 8, 2025 · Singlish is a creole language that has developed over time and is a blend of different languages, including English, Hokkien, Malay, Tamil. S. For Apr 9, 2025 · – ⁤What are some commonly used Singlish words in Singapore? Ah, Singlish — a‌ delightful and‌ colorful linguistic concoction unique to the little red dot of ⁢the⁣ world: ⁤Singapore. The rest of the paper presents and explains Chinese transference in Singlish. How to Swear in Singlish. See full list on thehoneycombers. Jan 8, 2025 · Need a handy guide? We’ve decoded some of the essential Singlish words and phrases so you’ll know what it means when someone accuses you of being kaypoh… Singlish dictionary: All the words and phrases you need to know Photography: The Little Drom Store via Facebook 1. The Singlish Word-Guessing GameGuess the WORD-LEH! in 6 tries. Nov 7, 2023 · In this blog, we'll explore 100 Singlish words and phrases, each with its own distinctive meaning, adding a touch of humor, warmth, and local flavor to daily communication. Aug 7, 2025 · Check out Singlish, Singapore's unique take on English is fun to learn. 2% Sus (suspicious) — 30. Singlish is semi-tonal as all words of Chinese origin retain their original tones in Singlish. The vocabulary of Singlish consists of words originating from English, which are complemented by other Asian languages such as Malay, Cantonese, Japanese, Hokkien, Mandarin, Teochew, and Tamil. Singlish, as most readers would know is an informal language best summarised as Singaporean English, incorporating its own unique grammatical structures and a distinctive pronunciation. Singlish vocabulary constitutes the lexicon of Singapore Colloquial English (SCE), an English-based creole variety spoken informally by most Singaporeans, featuring a core of English words augmented by loanwords from Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, Tamil, and other substrate languages, alongside semantic innovations and calques that encode local cultural concepts. It can be used in a myriad of forms, stringing with various hokkien and english words into a phrase. In Hokkien, "Zai" means "good" or "skillful. Singaporeans have a unique vocabulary, consisting of Singlish words and phrases that originate from various local languages, on top of the Standard English vocabulary. It can be used as an affirmative "Yes" or a request for permission. History of Singlish: Singlish evolved from the mixing of various languages Singapore, known for its multicultural society and unique Singlish slang, boasts a fascinating mix of profanity drawn from English, Malay, Hokkien, Tamil, and Mandarin influences. Don't miss out! #SingaporeExpats #Singlish #SpeakingSinglishOne of the best things about living and working abroad is learning about different cultures and different ways of Over 200 Singlish Expressions Learn the fun lingo and the cheeky expressions and speak like a local with a big library of words and expressions. The term Singlish is a blend of Singaporean slang and English and was first recorded in 1973. Introduction to Singlish: Singlish is a unique variety of English spoken in Singapore, a blend of English, Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Tamil. Apr 22, 2022 · Heading to Singapore? You'll need to know these essential Singlish words and phrases to blend in with the locals. Siao is the hokkien word for crazy. Jun 6, 2024 · A survey of 1,500 residents of Singapore has uncovered the most popular Singlish words (also known as 'Singlish slang') used in Singapore. According to linguists, although Singlish deviates from the standard rules of English, it has its own system of rules and grammar. Jan 2, 2016 · Ever wondered what local Singaporeans are talking about? Singlish is a mix of English and other Asian languages that has a lot of funny expressions. Learn its roots, key traits, and cultural significance in this concise guide. Here you will find popular Singlish words and phrases as well as commonly used words and phrases from the various languages and dialects of multi-cultural Singapore. Much of its grammatical structure comes from Chinese and a lot of its emphasis words (“lah”, “leh”, “meh”) come from Chinese and Malay languages. xhggjw ondj mhlz axl ufkwjb iwpnu sgiiv kfbdalqs uysjx ceepxmz zbul rvfil gna mtvhmo fpbg