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Singlish vocabularyFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Singlish is the English-based creole or patois spoken colloquially in Singapore. Although English is the lexifierlanguage, Singlish has its unique slang and syntax, which are more pronounced in informal speech.
Contents
1 Word origins
2 Singlish dictionaries and word lists
2.1 0–9
2.2 A
2.3 B2.4 C
2.5 D2.6 E
2.7 G2.8 H
2.9 I
2.10 J
2.11 K
2.12 L
2.13 M2.14 N
2.15 O
2.16 P
2.17 Q
2.18 R2.19 S
2.20 T
2.21 U
2.22 V
2.23 W
2.24 X
2.25 Y
2.26 Z2.27 Food and beverages
2.27.1 Food
2.27.2 Beverages
2.27.2.1 Types of tea
2.27.2.2 Types of coffee
2.27.2.3 Other beverages
2.28 English words with different meanings in Singlish
2.29 Expressions
3 See also
4 Notes
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The Coxford Singlish
Dictionary, a light-
hearted lexicon of
Singlish published in
2002
5 References6 External links
Word origins
Singlish vocabulary formally takes after British English (in terms of spelling and abbreviations), although namingconventions are in a mix of American and British ones (with American ones on the rise). For instance, localmedia have "sports pages" (sport in British English) and "soccer coverage" ("soccer"—originally slang forAssociation football—while used in Britain, is more usually called just "football"). Singlish also uses many wordsborrowed from Hokkien, the Chinese dialect native to more than 75% of the Chinese in Singapore, and fromMalay. In many cases, English words take on the meaning of their Chinese counterparts, resulting in a shift inmeaning. It is also taken from Indian words such as "dai" meaning "hey", "goondu" meaning 'idiot" etc. This ismost obvious in such cases as "borrow"/"lend", which are functionally equivalent in Singlish and mapped to thesame Mandarin word, "借" (jiè), which can mean to lend or to borrow. For example: "Oi, can I borrow yourcalculator?" / "Hey, can you lend me your calculator?"
Singlish dictionaries and word lists
There have been several efforts to compile lexicons of Singlish, some for scholarlypurposes, most for entertainment. Two early humorous works were Sylvia Toh
Paik Choo's Eh, Goondu! (1982)[1] and Lagi Goondu! (1986).[2] In 1997 the
second edition of the Times-Chambers Essential English Dictionary[3] waspublished. To date, this is the only formal dictionary containing a substantialnumber of Singaporean English terms. Such entries and sub-entries are arrangedalphabetically amongst the standard English entries. A list of common wordsborrowed from local languages such as Hokkien and Malay appears in anappendix. It appears that no subsequent editions have been published.
2002 saw the publication of the Coxford Singlish Dictionary,[4] a light-heartedlexicon which was developed from material posted on the websiteTalkingcock.com (http://www.talkingcock.com/html/lexec.php). In 2004 awebsite, A Dictionary of Singlish and Singapore English(http://www.singlishdictionary.com), was launched to document the actual usageof Singlish and Singapore English in published material, in the way that the OxfordEnglish Dictionary does for standard English. Compiled by an amateurlexicographer, the Dictionary appears to be one of the more comprehensive andprofessionally-written dictionaries dealing exclusively with Singlish and SingaporeEnglish available so far.
The Singapore Tourism Board and tourism-related businesses have also produced short lists of commonly usedSinglish terms, ostensibly to allow foreigners visiting Singapore to comprehend the local language better. Suchlists have been printed in brochures or booklets, and also published on websites.
The lack of an officially-printed version of a Singlish dictionary is due to the fact that the Singapore governmentfrowns upon the use of Singlish, their official stand being that the speaking of Singlish will make Singaporeansdifficult to understand when communicating with foreigners who are not familiar with Singlish. Thus, thegovernment has made an effort to quash the use of Singlish and to promote the use of standard English throughthe Speak Good English Movement over the past few years. Though failing to discourage the use of Singlish, ithas resulted in Singlish having a bad reputation in recent years, further stalling efforts to document actual Singlish
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usage.
Letters contributed to the forum of The Straits Times, the main local newspaper, by readers have called forSinglish to be kept alive in Singapore. Community efforts to do so include the aptly named "Speak GoodSinglish Movement" (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Speak-Good-Singlish-Movement/152213451475413).The idea of promoting Singlish was raised as part of a larger debate on creating a uniquely Singaporean identity.However, the government has yet to officially change its stand regarding Singlish.
A list of Singlish terms and expressions widely used in Singapore is set out below. It is not exhaustive and ismeant to provide some representative examples of Singlish usage in Singapore. The origins of the Singlish termsare indicated where possible, and literal translations are provided where necessary.
0–9
Term Origin Definition
4D Singlish Local 4 digit lottery game run by Singapore Pools.
5Cs SinglishRefers to the 5 C's of Singapore (cash, car, credit card, condominium, country club
membership).
11B SinglishArmy official vernacular. Refers to the Singapore Armed Forces Identity Card held byservicemen during their draft. Servicemen's original civilian identity cards before their enlistment
are exchanged with these SAF identity cards.
A
Term Origin Definition
ABC EnglishEnglish (language). Acronym for "American-born Chinese." English-speaking person, i.e.Anglophone Singaporeans. Could also describe when the mentioned subject has western
elements or influences.
Abit the English To mean a little bit.
Action English In this context, the term means that the person being described is arrogant and haughty.
Act Blur
English
and
Cantonese
To play innocent.
Act CuteEnglishand
Cantonese
A phrase which describes behaving in an exaggeratedly cute or adorable fashion. Can beused as both verb and adjective.
ACBC
English
and
Hokkien
Acronym for "Act Cute Buay Cute." Phrase which describes somebody attempting to
behave in an exaggeratedly cute or adorable fashion. However, they come across more
annoying than cute.
Agak-
AgakMalay An estimate[5]
Agak-
Ration
Malay and
EnglishAn estimate or estimation.
Ar?Cantoneseand
Used within questions and rhetoric where opinions and affirmations are being sought.
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Mandarin Originated from the Chinese term "啊".
Ar Hokkien
Used as either noun or a verb to denote a very cozy, non-sexual relationship with
someone that might result in special considerations or leeway not available to anyone
else without such a relationship. As in "I ar with the boss because I'm his golf buddy so Ican occasionally come to work later without getting into trouble with him." Or "You got
ar with him or not?" to inquire as to the status of the relationship between two people.
Similar to the American slang expression "having juice with someone."
Ah Beng HokkienA hillbilly, someone with little dress sense. Also used to refer to a gangster[6] The
expressions came about because Ah Beng is a common Chinese male name. Atransliteration of the Chinese name "阿明" (a-bêng).
Ah Lian HokkienA hillbilly, someone with little dress sense. Also used to refer to a gangster[6] The
expressions came about because Ah Lian is a common Chinese female name. A
transliteration of the Chinese term "阿莲" (a-lián), female form of Ah Beng,
Ah Long CantoneseA transliteration of the Chinese name "阿窿", which is a shortened form of "大耳窿".
Slang term for "loanshark".
AhQua/Gua
Hokkien
A transvestite, who will often be assumed to be a Thai transsexual. From Hokkien "阿
倌 a kuann" (the word "kuann 倌" is a term used to politely refer to a person, usually abridegroom, or a female).
Ah
TiongHokkien
A transliteration of the Hokkien term "阿中" (a-tiong), usually used simply as 'Tiong'.
Refers crudely to Chinese nationals.
Ai See HokkienTransliteration of the Hokkien term "爱死" (ài-sí, Mandarin 要死). Used to describe
someone on thin ice.
Ai See
Buay
See
HokkienTransliteration of the Hokkien term "爱死袂死" (ài-sí buē-sí, Mandarin 要死不死).
Used to describe someone on thin ice.
Ai Tzai HokkienUsed in a reassuring manner to calm people down. From Hokkien term "愛在 ài tsāi"-must be firm, calm and solid)
Aiyah Chinese
Sometimes used as "Aiyoh". Transliteration of the Chinese terms "哎呀" and "哎唷".Chinese equivalent of "Oh No!", "Oh Dear!". Another derivative of the term, Ai-Yoh-
Yoh (Chinese: 哎唷唷), was popularized by the Mediacorp drama series Good
Morning, Sir!.
Akan
DatangMalay Means "coming soon", as seen in movie trailers. Used to reassure an impatient person.
Alamak Malay Phonetically close to the Chinese term "Oh, my mother!". It expresses shock or surprise.
Amacam MalayA contraction of the Malay word "Apa macam", which is used as a greeting, similar to
"What's up?".
AnZhua?
HokkienHokkien equivalent of "What's up?." Transliteration of the Hokkien term "按怎" (án-chuáⁿ).
AngMoh
Hokkien Literally means "red hair 红毛" (âng-moo). A term for people of Caucasian descent.
AngHokkien
Literally means "red hair faction." From Hokkien term 红毛派" (âng-moo-phài). A
pejorative term for a Chinese Singaporean who speaks poor Chinese and usually prefers
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Moh Pai to speak or often uses a lot of English in a conversation. It can sometimes refer to"westernized Chinese Singaporean."
Ang Pau HokkienRed packet with money to be given on Chinese New Year or during some occasion likewedding, birthday party and so on as a wishes to the receiver. Hokkien transliteration of
the Chinese term "红包" (hong bao).
Arbo HokkienMeans "What else?" or "How else?". Usually used as an answer to a question with an
obvious answer. Transliteration of the Hokkien term "阿無" (á-bô).
Arrow English
To delegate an unpleasant or boring task to someone. Term derives from the military and
government's practice of stamping a tiny arrow next to the name of the person in officialdocuments.
Atas Malay Literally means "above". Used to describe a snobbish and arrogant person.
Auntie EnglishA generic address for middle aged or elderly woman.[7] It may also refer to a young
woman who dresses very unfashionably.
Ayam Malay Literally means "chicken". Used to describe someone who is easily intimidated.
Ah Bu
Den/AhDen
Singlish Obviously; of course. Corruption of the phrase "ah then?"
B
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Term Origin Definition
Balik
KampongMalay Pack up things and go home.
Banana EnglishChinese Singaporean who can only speak English. ‘Yellow on the outside, white on the
inside.'
Berak Malay It means to poo
Belanja Malay To give someone a treat.
Blur English Clueless. In a daze, unaware of what is going on.[8]
Bodoh Malay Stupid, ignorant.[8]
Boh Gay HokkienHokkien pronunciation of "无牙" (bô-gê), which literally means "no teeth". Usually used
to describe someone with a missing tooth.
Boh Liao Hokkien
Hokkien pronunciation of "无聊" (bô-liâu), which means "boredom". A slang expression
to describe being in a situation of idleness. Also used to describe an act of doing
something silly.
Boleh Malay Can; possible.
Bo Jio Hokkien Never ask me go?
Bo Pien Hokkien No choice.
Botak MalayUsed to describe someone bald. This term inspired the famous Botak Jones in
Singapore.[9]
Buay Hokkien Hokkien pronunciation of "袂" (buē). Means "cannot".
Buaya Malay Literally means "crocodile". Refers to a womanizer or flirt.[10]
Buay
SongHokkien
Hokkien pronunciation of "袂爽" (buē-sóng, Mandarin: 不爽). Means pissed off and not
happy.
Buay
Tahan
Hokkien
and
Malay
Combination of the Hokkien term "buay" and Malay term "tahan". Means "unable to
withstand" or colloquially "cannot stand it"
Buay Pai Hokkien
Hokkien pronunciation of "袂歹" (buē-pháin , Mandarin: 不错). Literally means "not bad".
This is commonly used for food, saying that it isn't very bad or no bad. It can also be
applied in people too.
C
Term Origin Definition
Chao HokkienUsed to refer to foul smells. From Hokkien 臭 (chhàu). It may also be used to describe
cheating or playing foul (Jiak Chao) in a game.
Chao
KengHokkien
Feigning sickness or injury. Commonly used during National Service to describe
recruits who pretend to be unwell to avoid participating in certain activities. Sometimes
shortened to Keng.
Chao
MuggerHokkien Someone who mugs a lot because he is kiasu.
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Char Bor Hokkien Girl/Woman. From Hokkien 查某 (cha-bó).
Chang Hokkien BINO CHANG. From Hokkien Bond, BINO CHIA YU BIN
Cheena Peranakan
A derogatory term used to denote people exhibiting very unpolished behaviour ormannerisms, deriding their Chineseness. Basically to denote the uncultured (from an
Anglophone standpoint). See definition for "Ah Beng" and "Ah Lian" in the relevant
section.
'Cher
(Tcher)Singlish Corruption of "teacher".
ChickenBusiness
English
and
Cantonese
Direct translation of the Cantonese slang "做雞", which means to prostitute oneself("chicken" is the slang term for a prostitute).
Chee Ko
PekHokkien Hokkien slang for "pervert" or "dirty old man".
Chim Hokkien
Hokkien pronunciation of "深", which means "deep". Used to describe something or a
situation that is extremely hard to understand or comprehend. Variants include nouns
such as chim-inology, chim-ness.
Chin Chai Hokkien
Hokkien pronunciation of "凊彩" (chhìn-chhái). When applied colloquially, it means
"anything" or "whatever". Used in situations when one does not feel like making a
decision and wants another to help him/her make a decision. Can also be applied to
situations to do something in a half-heartedly manner.
Chio Bu HokkienHokkien pronunciation of 俏母 (chhiò-bú). Hokkien equivalent of "buxom woman".
Used to describe a voluptuous woman but in a degraded manner.
Chinaman English A crude term to call immigrants or foreign workers from the PRC.
Chop SinglishRefers to stamp or seal.[11] From Malay cap, which is from Hindi छाप ćhāp
(stamp).[12]
Chop
ChopEnglish Used to tell someone to do something fast. As heard in Mission Impossible films.
Chope SinglishSlang for reserving a seat.[12] Derived from chop; to leave a mark. Singaporeans have ahabit of leaving objects on seats/tables to reserve places (usually tissue packets)
Confirm
plus
Chop
Singlish
Shortened from "confirm plus guarantee got chop" To mean that you are extremely
sure of something (derives from National Service/Military situations where one needs to
be absolutely sure about something; guarantee got chop denotes that the action and
whatever subsequent paperwork, if any, will be approved). Basically "officiallysanctioned."
D
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Term Origin Definition
Double
ConfirmSinglish
Confirm and reconfirm. Used to emphasize the confirmation.Also to emphasize the
seriousness of the topic, 'Triple Confirm' is used
Du lan Singlish
Can mean "very pissed." Can also be used to describe someone who is very picky and who
insists on following the rules literally and blindly with no accommodation for circumstances.Literally means "poke dick"
E
Term Origin Definition
Eeyer Unknown To express disgust.
Eye-
PowerEnglish
Sarcastic remark to describe someone who does not contribute in group work and watches
while others do the work. The term probably originated from the X-Men character Cyclops
from Marvel Comics. It is also often associated with army officers who stand around doing
nothing, getting things done by using their eye power and watching their subordinates.
Encik MalayLiterally means "Mister" in Malay. When used in military context, it is used to address
warrant officers in the Singapore Armed Forces.
G
Term Origin Definition
Gabra Singlish Used to describe confusion or disorganisation.[13]
Gahmen Singlish
Mispronunciation of the word "government"; the omitted "v" is especially common among
people from Chinese-speaking backgrounds. In the modern context, it is used as substitute
for the actual word when criticizing the government in written form to prevent possible legal
action taken against the writer.
Garang Malay Literally means "fierce". Used to describe someone as courageous or enthusiastic.
Ger Singlish Corruption of "girl".
Gone-case
English Means that one's doom is confirmed.
Goondu Tamil Tamil equivalent of "idiot".[14]
Gostan EnglishMeans to reverse or go in the backward direction. Originates from the nautical phrase "go
astern".
H
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Term Origin Definition
HaoLian
Teochew Slang term for "boast". From Teochew word “好臉 haon3 liêng2” (love to boast, show off).
Hor
LiaoHokkien Marked by superiority or distinction
Heng Hokkien Hokkien pronunciation of "幸" (hīng), which means to be lucky or fortunate.
Horlan EnglishDeliberate mispronunciation of "Holland". Of uncertain origin, the term is used to denote
finding oneself in a far-off place, or unexpected consequence, usually unpleasant.
I
Term Origin Definition
Ini Macam Malay "Like this" Means to be very certain.
J
Term Origin Definition
Jerorize Singlish To nullify something. Literally, to make ‘zero’.
Jiak Hokkien Hokkien pronunciation of the Chinese term "食" (chia�h), which means to eat.
JiakChao
Hokkien
Literally means to eat grass. From Hokkien "食草" (chia�h chháu). It may refer to being in
a situation of having no money for daily expenses (i.e. broke). It may also mean to play foul
in a game (slightly different pronunciation).
Jiak
Kantang
Hokkien
andMalay
Literally means 'eat potato'. Formed by the Hokkien term "Jiak" (eat) and Malay term
"Kentang" (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). Also refers to someone displaying a western
English accent that is not authentic: referring to the sound that one would make while
attempting to speak with a mouthful of potato.
Jia Lat Hokkien Literally means "sapping strength". Used to describe being in trouble or a terrible situation.
Jibra Singlish Corruption of "zebra".
Jilo Singlish Corruption of "zero".
Jibai Hokkien
Vulgar term for the female sexual organ; or the English equivalent of 'cunt'. Also a general
negative expletive/interjection in colloquial speech. Alternatively spelled "chee bye", "ci bai",
or "chee bai" (abbreviates to "cb" in digital communication).
K
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Term Origin Definition
Kayu Malay
Used to hint that soccer matches have been fixed with shouts from fans of "referee
kayu" (i.e., that the referee was so blind to foul play from the opposing team by refusing
to penalize them that he might as well have been a block of wood). Also used todescribe lack of spontaneity or wooden behaviour. (Lit. "wood")
Kampung Malay Means "village". Sometimes spelt as "kampong".[15][16]
KarChng
Hokkien Buttocks. From Hokkien 尻川 (kha-chhng).
Kar Pak Singlish Parking Lot (Car Park).
Kaypoh Cantonese
Hokkien transliteration of the Chinese slang term "雞婆" (ke-pô), which refers to a
busybody.[17] Sometimes abbreviated to "kpo". Also French meaning of "stressed over
something"
Kena Malay Means to be afflicted with or to suffer from something.[18]
Kena SaiMalay and
Hokkien
A pejorative term in which "kena" means to be afflicted with and "sai" (屎) means "shit".
Means to "get into deep shit" or get into deep trouble.
Kilat Malay Means "excellent". Commonly used in the military. (Lit. "lightning")
Kiasu Hokkien Literally means to be afraid of losing. Transliteration of the Chinese term "惊输".[15][18]
Kiasi HokkienLiterally means to be afraid of dying. Used in the same manner as "kiasu".
Transliteration of the Chinese term "惊死".
Kiam HokkienTransliteration of the Chinese term "咸" (kiâm) which literally means "salty". Used to
describe a stingy person.
Kope Singlish Means to take from someone without permission.
KopitiamMalay and
Hokkien
Literally means "coffee shop". "coffee shop" in Singapore refers to "food centre". From
Hokkien 咖啡店 (ka-pi-thìam).
kiam pa Hokkien To describing intense distaste for another individual due to his actions or looks.
Ku Ku
JiaoSinglish Male genitalia (crude). Also "ku ku bird".
L
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Term Origin Definition
Lah Singlish
Tagged at the end of a sentence as an exclamation but pronounced differently in
questions.[19][20][21] Used mainly at the end of both phrases and sentences. Mostspeakers prefer "ah" at the end of questions.
La Sai Singlish means to "stir shit", or create trouble.
Lan Jiao Hokkien Chinese transliteration of "卵鳥" (lān-chiáu). Means guy's private part (crude).
Leh SinglishTagged at the end of a sentence in a similar manner as "lah". Used to emphasize
the sentence.
Liao Hokkien/Chinese
Means "already" or "over", or generally indicates the past tense. Sometimes used
as a substitute for the "already" used in Singlish, especially by Chinese-speaking
people. Chinese transliteration of 了 (liáo). Sometimes also pronounced as the
Mandarin "le" (light tone) by Chinese speakers.
Lim Peh HokkienChinese transliteration of "恁爸" (lín peh). Literally means "your father". Used to
refer to oneself when imposing one's authority on someone.
Lombang Hokkien/ChinesePronounced with a round "o" ("lomh-bang") is from Malay "tumpang" whichmeans "to hitch a ride".
M
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Term Origin Definition
Mah MandarinUsually tagged at the end of a sentence to seek agreement or argue a point. For example,
"Cannot like that, mah."
Macam Malay Like; Means to resemble something.
Makan Malay To eat.[22]
Malu Malay Embarrassing; Usually used when one makes a fool of him/herself.
Mampat Malay Tight/firm. Usually referring to a woman's posterior or clothing.
Masak-
MasakMalay Child's play. "Masak" by itself refers to cooking.
Mata Malay Literally means "eye". Used as a reference to the police.
MehCantonese
/Chinese
Usually tagged at the end of a negative question to indicate someone is exploiting a
possible loophole as in "Mata said cannot park here but I'm parking over there. Cannot,meh?" Or to (somewhat derisively) indicate capabilities heretofore unknown as in "Just
because you never see me running, you think I cannot, meh?" From Cantonese word"mēh 咩".
Mati Malay Literally means to die. "Die" in the Singapore context means to be doomed.
Merlion EnglishTo vomit. The merlion is a national icon of Singapore, and there is a very famous merlionstatue in Singapore which spouts water from its mouth. This term is normally associatedwith drunkenness.
MongCha
Cha
CantoneseTo behave in a "blur" manner and be unaware of what is going on around. FromCantonese word "Mong Cha Cha 幪查查"
Mug English To cram (for academic tests). Used interchangeably with/instead of the word "study".
N
Term Origin Definition
Ngeow Hokkien
Literally means "cat". Transliteration of Chinese 貓 (niau). Used to describe someone who isoverly meticulous or tries to find fault in everything. Can also be used to refer to someone
stingy.[23]
Neh
NehPok
Hokkien Commonly used to refer to saying "Ouch, it's very painful!!" or Busticated
Nia Hokkien Common used to depict the meaning of "only". It is of a belittling tone.
O
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Term Origin Definition
Obiang UnknownUsed to describe someone or something that is desperately out of fashion. Other variations
include "orbit".
Orbi UnknownMay be used as a single term or combined to form "orbi kwek" or "orbi good", which
means "serves you right".
ORD EnglishShort-form of "Operationally Ready Date", which refers to the date on which a NationalServiceman completes his full-time stint of National Service. And what older National
Servicemen called their "ROD" or "Run Out Date."
ORD
lohSinglish
Army slang. An exclaim made by servicemen close to completing his two-year mandatoryservice term in the army to provoke jokingly his counterparts who have yet to see the end
of their service terms.
Orh English Shortened from okay, meaning yes, understood.
O$P$ Singlish"Owe Money Pay Money". Used in threats from loan-sharks who would usually scrawl this
in markers or spray paint outside debtors' units. From Chinese expression 欠钱还钱.
P
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Term Origin Definition
Pang Sai Hokkien To shit. Chinese transliteration of "放屎" (pàng-sái).
Pang Jio Hokkien/Teochew Meaning to "pee" or "pass urine"
Pang Seh Hokkien
Hokkien slang for 'to be stood up (at an appointment), or cancelled upon at
the last minute'=. Not to be confused with 'pang sai', which means 'todefecate'.
Pak
ZamnHokkien
Literally means "needle injection". Used to describe something faulty or not
usable.
Pariah Indian/HindiUsed to describe something unsightly or disgusting. Used to describe thelowest and most unsightly caste (gravediggers and sewerage in Ancient India).
In modern times, it is also used to describe something or someone of lowquality.
PasarMalam
Malay Refers to the night markets.[24][25]
Pai Kia Hokkien
Hokkien slang for "hooligan" or "gangster". Literally means "bad kid". From
Hokkien 歹囝(pháin -kiáⁿ). Commonly used to scold kids who doesn'tappreciate their parents.
Pai Seh HokkienMeans to be embarrassed. Usually used as an apology after making an
embarrassing mistake. From Hokkien 歹勢 (pháin -sè).
Pak Tor Cantonese/HokkienDialect pronunciation of the Chinese slang term "拍拖" (POJ phoh-thua),
which means to go on a date. Colloquially refers to general physical intimacy.
Photostat English Photocopy.
Pia HokkienTo work hard at something, or to rush something (such as homework). From
Hokkien word "拼 piànn“
Place English A place of residence. For example, "You want to come to my place (house)and sleep over tonight?"
Pon Malay Short form of "ponteng". To play truant ("Want pon school today?").
Pok Kai CantoneseMeans to go broke. Also used to curse people. Lit. "to fall into the street"where the dispossessed are tossed into the street. Not normally used as a
general expletive as in Cantonese-speaking societies like Hong Kong.
PRC EnglishA Chinese national (abbreviation of "People's Republic of China"). Often used
disparagingly.
Q
R
Term Origin Definition
Return back English To give back. Direct translation from the Chinese phrase.
Revert English To reply. Often used in email and text messages.
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S
Term Origin Definition
Sabo SinglishShort form of the English word "Sabotage" with a related meaning of "gettingsomeone else in trouble"
Saman Malay Used for traffic summons. (Lit. "to fine/summon")
SamSeng
Cantonese andHokkien
or Sam Seng Kia (三牲囝, saⁿ-seng-kiáⁿ) - gangster. From Chinese term 三牲
(Hokkien saⁿ-seng).
Sargen Singlish Corruption of "sergeant".
Sakar MalayTo flatter, to lick one's boots. Derived from Malay meaning 'sugar', which mayhave been derived from Hindi 'sakar' or 'Sakkar' meaning 'sugar' and 'sweet
words', and ultimately from Persian 'shakar' meaning 'sugar', 'sweet'.
Sekali Malay Pronounced SCAR-ly. Lest, what if.
Send Singlish To bring someone somewhere "I will send you to the airport".
Shiok Punjabi Great! An expression of satisfaction. Originally "shauk" in Punjabi.
Showflat EnglishAn event held by an estate agency that spans several weeks to promote ahousing project, usually condominiums.
Sia Malay An exclamation.
Siam Hokkien"Get out of the way!" Considered rude but effective. From Hokkien term 閃(siám).
Sian/Sien Hokkien Bored, tired, or sick of something.[26] From Hokkien (siān).[27]
Siao Hokkien
Refers to either "crazy" in response to a silly suggestion or an offensive term
used to address a friend. From Hokkien word "siáu 痟". Also refers tosomebody who is a fanatic. "He Siao bicycles" is saying that someone is crazy
about bicycles.
Sibeh Teochew/HokkienSimilar to "very". Originated from Teochew word 死爸 (si2-bê6) (literally acurse vulgar word meaning "dead father"). Interchangeably used in Singaporean
Hokkien and Singlish.
Si Mi Hokkien "What?" From Hokkien term 甚物 (sím-mi�h). Mandarin equivalent of 什么.
Si Mi
Lan JiaoHokkien
A much more derogatory term of "What's up?" Literally means "What's up
dickhead?"
Si Mi TaiDzi
Hokkien"Si Mi" is translated from Chinese's "什么" and means "What" and when addedto "Tai Dzi", it means "What's up?"
SodCantonese,English
Used to express a machine, person, or object that has gone mental or haywire.Localization of the word "short" from English term "short circuit".
SongHokkien,
Cantonese
Used to express pleasure. Lit. "refreshing". From Hokkien/Cantonese 爽 (sóng).
Same meaning as Shiok.
Sotong MalayForgetful or not knowing what is going on. Lit. "squid". Spineless or without
principles, like the cuttlefish.
Spoil Singlish Broken down.
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Stay Singlish Live (reside) "I stay in Ang Mo Kio". Direct translation from the Malay tinggal.
Stun Singlish To steal. See: Cope. Can be used as part of "Gostan". See: Gostan
Suku Malay Meaning of "silly" or "foolish"
swaku HokkienNot well informed or backward; a country bumpkin. From Hokkien 山龟
(soaⁿ-ku; lit. "mountain tortoise").
Suay Hokkien Unlucky.[28] From Hokkien 衰 (soe).
T
Term Origin Definition
Ta Pau CantoneseTake away (used only when cooked food is concerned). From theCantonese word "Da Bao打包"
Tak Boleh Malay Cannot
Tak Boleh TahanMalay /Hokkien
Literally means, cannot endure. Used when someone is suffering frompain, or when you couldn't wait upon something.
Tau Pok Chinese
Literally means 'fried tofu'. By students who throw themselves on oneanother in a pile, usually for fun or to bully. Special cases with vertical taupok where a person gets squashed against a vertical object, found in
MRTs on a crowded day.
Tai Ko (also
spelled "tyco")Hokkien Lucky (only used sarcastically). Literally "leper".
Talk Cock/TokKok
SinglishTalking nonsense/senselessly or engage in idle banter. Probablyoriginated from the English expression "cock and bull story".
Tekan Malay Bully/Torture/Put under pressure. Military slang for punishments.
Terbalek/Tombalek Malay Opposite/Upside-Down/Inside-Out.
Thiam/Diam Hokkien/Malay
If used as an imperative, a very rude way of saying "shut up!" But it
literally means "quiet" and can be used as in "Doing guard duty onholidays is very sian but also very diam since nobody is here."
Tio Hokkien
To get. Usually used as a verb: "He tio scolded by teacher." Or to
accurately choose something: "He always play 4D and this time he tio sohe won big jackpot." From the Hokkien word 著 "tio�h", equivalent to
Mandarin 中 "zhong4".
Toot Singlish Stupid/silly [person].
Tahan MalayHandle/tolerate, commonly used as 'I cannot tahan' meaning 'I can't bear
it".
U
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Term Origin Definition
Un Unknown Abbreviation for understand.
Understooded English Corruption of understood.
Ulu MalayUsed to describe a rural or remote area or country bumpkin.[29] Commonly foundin road names around Singapore as well.
Uncle Singlish
Used as a generic title for males who are middle-aged or older, especially those
who are not well acquainted.[30] Similarly to auntie, used by young children to
denote respect for a female adult
Also used to describe a younger person who behaves/dresses in anuncool/unfashionable manner.
V
Term Origin Definition
Very
theSinglish
Singlish phrase emphasising 'very', directly transliterated from the Chinese 非常的 (fēi cháng
de), which means the same. Usually employed with a clearly sarcastic tone.
W
Term Origin Definition
Walao/WahPiang/Wah
Seh/Wah Kao
Hokkien Exclamation of shock. Wah Seh is from Hokkien word "WaSeh哇塞"
White Horse English
The son of a government official or other influential person. Term derives from themilitary practice of identifying such individuals during Basic Military Training with a
stamp of a horse.[citation needed]
Womit Singlish Mispronunciation of "vomit".
X
Term Origin Definition
Xia Lan Hokkien Arrogant; egoistic; pretentious.
Xia Suay Hokkien Disgrace; embarrassment.
Y
Term Origin Definition
YourHead
SinglishMild curse used to disabuse someone of his or her erroneous assumption. Directlytransliterated from Chinese "你的头".
Yandao Hokkien A handsome male. Transliteration of Hokkien term "緣投" (iân-tâu).
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Z
Term Origin Definition
Zai Hokkien to be very good in something. From Hokkien 才 （tsâi）.
Zhun Hokkien Means accurate. From Hokkien 準 (chún).
ZhunBo
HokkienFrom Hokkien 準無 (chún-bô). Literally means accurate or not. Means "Are you sure ornot?"
Zi siao Hokkien means to disturb, ridicule or tease. From Hokkien term 恥笑 (thí-siâu).
Food and beverages
See also: Cuisine of Singapore
Singlish is prominently used in local coffee shops, or kopitiams (the word is obtained by combining the Malayword for coffee and the Hokkien word for shop), and other eateries. Local names of many food and drink itemshave become Singlish and consist of words from different languages and are indicative of the multi-racial societyin Singapore. For example, teh is the Malay word for tea which itself originated from Hokkien, peng is theHokkien word for ice, kosong is the Malay word for zero to indicate no sugar, and C refers to Carnation, abrand of evaporated milk.
Food
Names of common local dishes in Singapore hawker centres are usually referred to in local dialect or language.However, as there are no English words for certain food items, the dialect terms used for them have slowlyevolved into part of the Singlish vocabulary. Ordering in Singlish is widely understood by the hawkers. Someexamples of food items which have become part of Singlish:
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Term Origin Definition
Char
KwayTeow
(Hokkien)Fried flat rice noodles with bean sprouts, Chinese sausages, eggs and cockles, inblack sweet sauce, with or without chilli.
Chwee
Kuay
(Hokkien; 水
粿)
cup shaped steamed rice flour cakes topped with preserved vegetables (usually
radish) and served with or without chilli
Hokkien
charmee
(Hokkien/Fujian
fried noodles;福建炒麺)
Refers to the Kuala Lumpur Hokkien noodle. It is a dish of thick yellow noodles
braised in thick dark soy sauce with pork, squid, fish cake and cabbage as themain ingredients and cubes of pork fat fried until crispy.
Hokkienhae mee
(Hokkien/Fujianprawn noodles;福建蝦麺)
Refers to either the Penang prawn noodle or Singapore prawn noodle. Soup
based (Penang) and stir fried (Singapore). Egg noodles and rice noodles with nodark soya sauce used.Prawn is the main ingredient with slices of chicken or pork,
squid and fish cake. Kang Kong (water spinach) is common in the Penang version
IceKachang
Crushed ice with flavoured liquids poured into them. Beans and jelly are usuallyadded as well.
Kaya (Malay) Local jam mixture made of coconut, sugar and egg of Straits Chinese origins
Roti-Kaya
(Malay) Toasted bread with Kaya
MeeGoreng
(Chinese/Malay) Malay fried noodles
Otah (Malay)
Fish paste wrapped in banana leaf or coconut leaves and cooked over a charcoal
fire. South East Asian influence - you can find similar versions in Thailand,Indonesia and Malaysia
Popiah (Hokkien)
Chinese spring rolls (non fried). Various condiments and vegetables wrapped in a
flour skin with sweet flour sauce. Condiments can be varied, but the common onesinclude turnip, bamboo shoots, lettuce, Chinese sausage, prawns, bean sprouts,
garlic and peanut. Origins from China. Hokkien and Straits Chinese (Nonya)popiah are the main versions.
Rojak (Malay)
local salad of Malay origins. Mixture of sliced cucumber, pineapple, turnip, dried
beancurd, Chinese doughsticks, bean sprouts with prawn paste, sugar, lotus budsand assam (tamarind).
RotiJohn
(Malay/English)Indian version of western hamburger consisting of two halves of French loavesfried with egg and minced beef/mutton. Colonial origins.
Tze
Char
(Hokkien; 煮
炒, POJ chí-chhá)
Literally means cook and fry. General term for food served by mini restaurants in
local hawker stalls serving restaurant style Chinese
dishes, like fried noodles, sweet and sour pork, claypot tofu etc.
Beverages
Types of tea
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Term Origin Definition
Teh (Hokkien/Malay) Tea (from Hokkien word "茶 tê“）
Teh-O (Hokkien)Tea without milk but instead with sugar. From Hokkien 茶烏 (tê-o)(literally means "black tea")
Teh-O-ice-
limau
(Hokkien-English-
Malay)Home brewed iced lemon tea
Teh-C(Hokkien/Malay-
Roman alphabet)
Tea with evaporated milk. The C refers to the Carnation brand of
evaporated milk.
Teh-cino(Hokkien/Romanalphabet)
Milk layered with tea on top (similar to latte macchiato), though its namehints towards a tea version of cappuccino.
Teh-Peng (Hokkien) Tea with ice. From Hokkien 茶冰 (tê-peng).
Teh-Poh (Hokkien) Weak or thin tea. From Hokkien 茶薄 （tê-po�h）.
Teh-kosong Plain Tea.
Teh-kah-dai Hokkien/CantoneseTea with milk and more sugar. From Hokkien-Cantonese 茶加底 （tê
gaa1 dai2）
Teh-siu-dai Hokkien/CantoneseTea with milk but less sugar. From Hokkien-Cantonese 茶少底 （tê
siu2 dai2)
Teh-pua seo Hokkien Luke-Warmed tea. From Hokkien 茶半燒 (tê puànn-sio）
Teh-O-kah-
daiHokkien/Cantonese Tea with more sugar.
Teh-O-siu-dai Hokkien/Cantonese Tea with less sugar
Teh-C-kah-
daiHokkien/Cantonese Tea with more milk.
Teh-C-siu-dai Hokkien/Cantonese Tea with less milk.
Teh-packet or
Teh-paoHokkien Tea to go. From Hokkien 茶包 (tê pau）
Teh-Tarik Hokkien/Malay 'Pulled' tea with milk, a Malay specialty.
Teh-Halia Tea with ginger extract.
Teh-Halia
TarikPulled tea with milk (tarik) and Ginger
Types of coffee
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Term Origin Definition
Kopi Malay/Hokkien(Hokkien/Malay) Coffee. Originated from Hokkien word 咖啡 (ka-pi）
Kopi-O Malay/HokkienCoffee without milk. From Hokkien 咖啡烏 (ka-pi-o) [literally
"black coffee"]
Kopi-CMalay/Romanizedword
Coffee with evaporated milk. The C refers to the Carnation brandof evaporated milk.
Kopi-Peng Malay/Hokkien (Hokkien) Coffee with ice. From Hokkien 咖啡冰 (ka-pi-peng).
Kopi-packet orKopi-pao
Malay/Hokkien Coffee to go. From Hokkien 咖啡包 (ka-pi-pau)
Kopi-pua seo Malay/Hokkien Luke-Warmed coffee. From Hokkien 咖啡半燒 (ka-pi-pua-sio)
Kopi-gao Malay/Hokkien Thick coffee. From Hokkien 咖啡厚(ka-pi kāu)
Kopi-poh Malay/Hokkien Weak or thin coffee. From Hokkien 咖啡薄 (ka-pi-poh)
Kopi-kosong Plain coffee.
Kopi-kah-dai Malay/Cantonese Coffee with more sugar.
Kopi-siu-dai Malay/Cantonese Coffee with less sugar.
Other beverages
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Term Origin Definition
Bandung (Malay)Rose syrup-milk drink, of Indian origins. (Goat's milk was used in the olddays)
Icekosong
(English-Malay) Iced water
Horlick-dinosaur
Iced Horlicks with extra scoop of Horlicks powder on top
Horlick-
sioHot Horlicks
Horlick-
pengIced Horlicks
Milo-sio Hot Milo.
Milo-dinosaur
Iced Milo with extra scoop of undissolved Milo powder on top
Milo-Peng
Iced Milo
Tak Kiu (Hokkien;literally means football or soccer) Milo; Nestlé Milo often uses soccer andother sports as the theme of its advertisement.
Tak Kiu-
PengIced Milo
Tiau Herr(Hokkien; literallymeans fishing)
Tea with the tea bag. Reference to dipping of tea bag. From Hokkien 釣魚
(tiò-hî).
The above list is not complete; for example, one can add the "-peng" suffix (meaning "iced") to form othervariations such as Teh-C-peng (tea with evaporated milk and ice) which is a popular drink consideringSingapore's warm weather.
English words with different meanings in Singlish
Word Meaning Example/comment
follow- to come
along/accompany[31] "Can follow anot?"
having hereto eat in at a
restaurant
The antonym is "take away" or "tah-bao". Used by fast-foodrestaurant counter staff as in, "Having here or take away?" (Are youeating in here or do you want to have it for take-away?)
help, lah
please, do lend me ahand by desisting fromwhatever it is you are
doing; help me outhere
"Help lah, stop hitting on my sister"
last timepreviously, in the
past[32] "I last time want to go Africa, but now don't know 'ready."[33]
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lightbulbto be caught in asituation between a
couple.
"you two go ahead lah I don't want to be lightbulb."
mug to studyDerived from British 'mug up'. Common expression amongst allstudents. Instead of 'He's mugging up...', locally used as 'He'smugging for...'
smugto study (SMUstudents)
The term smugging or smugger refers to mugging by SMU students.Derived from SMU and mugger.
marketinggoing to the market orshops to buy food
Rare expression."My dad may help in the marketing side, by going to
the market to get some things."[34]
never did not "you never tell me"
next time in the future "Next time when you get married, you'll know how to cook."[33]
on, off to switch on/off "I on the TV"
on ah It's settled then?
open to turn on something"I open the light."[35] (Derived from Chinese, which uses the verb "to
open" in this manner. Use of "open" to mean "turn on" is limited toelectric appliances.)
pass up to hand in"Pass up your homework". Although once common, usage is now
discouraged in schools.
revertto get back (commonlyused in business emails)
"Please revert your decision to us" doesn't mean "Please change yourdecision", but rather "Please get back to us with your decision".
sendto take (i.e. drive)somebody somewhere
"She gets her maid to send the boy in a cab."[36]
solid/steady capable; excellent "Solid sia, that movie." See also "Kilat"
saboto play a trick onsomeone
Short for "sabotage", but with an everyday usage.[37] - "Because hesabo me, now boss mad at me!"
stay to live (in a place).[38] From Malay "tinggal". - "My grandmother, my aunt and uncle also
stay next door."[34]
steady
attached (inrelationships) ORagreeing oversomething, usuallyover an appointment
"Eh u two steady liao ah?", "Today, come 3 o'clock? Steady."
- cool, capable (to praise integrity or strength) - "Wa you sickalso turn up for work ah? Steady!"
stoneto space out; to donothing
- BAKED
taketo eat; to have a
meal[39]
"Have you taken your lunch? I don't take pork."
tok kok - (talk cock) - Probably from the English "cock andbull story". Talking senselessly/rubbish; "Don't tok kok lah!"
In standard English it is used by handphone/mobile phonemanufacturers to refer to the little speaker above your phone screen
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earpiece Earphones/headphones that you use to listen to a caller, but in Singlish it refers to a pair ofearphones or headphones. Can be used as in, "Ah boy, don't wearyour earpiece while crossing the road!" (Boy, don't use your
earphones/headphones while crossing the road.)
Expressions
Term Definition
Blur like sotongliterally blur like a squid. To be extremely clueless. Squids squirt ink as a self-defencemechanism to get away. The ink makes it hard to see, thus "blur". - "Wah! You damn blurleh! Liddat also dunno!"
Don't fly mykite/aeroplane
Rare expression. A Singlish expression which means 'Please do not go back on your word'or 'Please do not stand me up'
Don't play play!Uncommon expression, popularised by the local comedy series Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd.Used only to evoke humour. Means 'Don't fool around' or 'Better take things seriously'
Got problem ah?an aggressive, instigatory challenge. Or an expression of annoyance when someone isdisturbed. 'Do you have a problem?'
He still small boyone
a remark (Often offensive) made against someone who is not of a legally median age
allowed by the law. Or expression used to excuse someone because he is either immature orstill too young to know the difference.
Issit/Izzit?
Abbreviated form of "is it?" used as a standard tag question. E.g.: You going home now
issit? E.g.: You not going home issit? E.g.: Someone comments: "You look good today."Answer: "Issit??"
Last timepolicemen wear
shorts!
a retort made to someone who refers to how policies were made in the past. Or in responseto something which is passe. Or to brush aside old references or nostalgia. Direct referenceto the British colonial police forces who wore three-quarter khaki pants in the 1950s and60's.
Liddat oso can!?(English - Like that also can?) In response to feats of achievement or actions which arealmost impossible, or unexpected. Usually with tinge of awe, sarcasm or scepticism.
My England notpowderful!
(English - My English is not powerful (good)) Uncommon expression, used only to evokehumour. Literally means 'My English is not good'.
no prawn fishoso can
accepting a lesser alternative (From the Hokkien idiom "bo hay hir mah hoh." literallytranslates as "no prawns, fish also ok" -)
Not happy, talk
outside!
Used as a challenge to a fight to settle an argument, by taking it outside. (Hokkien: Ow buay
gong (settle it at the back/alley way))
No horse run!
(Hokkien - 無馬走, POJ bô bé cháu) Original Hokkien expression used in horse racing
jargon to describe a champion horse which is way ahead of the field. Used to describethings (food usually) which are ahead of its peers.
On lah!/On!/Set!"It's on!"; expression used to voice enthusiastic agreement or confirmation (of an arranged
meeting, event etc.)
Relak lah!(Malay-English for Relax) Expression used to ask someone to chill, cool it. 'Relak onecorner' means to skive, or to literally go chill out in one corner.
Expression used at the back of a sentence to emphasise consequence of not heeding advice.
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..then you know! 'Tell you not to park double yellow line, kena summon then you know!'
Why you soliddat ar?
(English - Why are you so "like that"?) 'an appeal made to someone who is beingunreasonable.'
You thought, hethink, whoconfirm?
army expression used during organisational foul ups. Generally used as a response to "Ithought..." when something goes wrong.
You think, Ithought, who
confirm?
army expression used in uncertainty during questioning. Generally used as a response to "Ithink..." when a higher ranking abuses someone of a lower rank, which is a norm in the
nation's army.
You want 10
cent?Means to "buzz off!" Refers to public phones that require 10 cents per call.
Yourgrandfather's
place/road ah?,Your father ownthis place/road?
Used to cut someone down to size in terms of their obnoxious boorish behaviour, behavingas if they owned the place.
You play whereone?
Used to challenge someone to state his gang affiliations (if any)
See also
List of Singapore abbreviations
Notes
1. ^ Toh, Paik Choo (1982). Eh, Goondu!. Singapore: Eastern Universities Press. ISBN 9971-71-168-0.
2. ^ Toh, Paik Choo (1986). Lagi Goondu!. Singapore: Times Books International. ISBN 9971-65-224-2.
3. ^ Times-Chambers Essential English Dictionary (2nd ed. ed.). Singapore: Federal Publications. 1997.ISBN 981-01-3727-3.
4. ^ The Coxford Singlish Dictionary. Singapore: Angsana Books. 2002. ISBN 981-3056-50-9.
5. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 3.
6. ̂a b Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 5.
7. ^ Wong, Jock (2006) 'Contextualizing aunty in Singaporean English', World Englishes, 25 (3/4), 451-466.
8. ̂a b Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 33.
9. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 35.
10. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, pp. 37-38.
11. ^ Tongue, R. K. (1979) The English of Singapore and Malaysia, Singapore: Eastern Universities Press, p. 69.
12. ̂a b Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 50.
13. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 92.
14. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 95.
15. ̂a b Wee, Lionel (1998) 'The lexicon of Singapore English'. In J. A. Foley et al. (eds.) English in New CulturalContexts: Reflections from Singapore, Singapore: Singaore Institute of Management/Oxford University Press,pp. 175-200.
16. ^ Deterding, David (2007) Singapore English, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, p. 75.
17. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 121.
18. ̂a b Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 123.
19. ^ Richards, Jack C. and Tay, Mary W. J. (1977) 'The la particle in Singapore English', in William Crewe (ed.),
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The English Language in Singapore, Singapore: Eastern Universities Press, pp. 141–56.20. ^ Deterding, David and Low Ee Ling (2003) 'A corpus-based description of particles in spoken Singapore
English', in David Deterding, Low Ee Ling and Adam Brown (eds.), English in Singapore: Research onGrammar, Singapore: McGraw-Hill Education (Asia), pp. 58–66.
21. ^ Wee, Lionel (2004) 'Redupliation and discourse particles'. In Lisa Lim (ed.) Singapore English: AGrammatical Description, Amsterdam: John Benjamins, pp. 105-126.
22. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 135.
23. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 147.
24. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 158.
25. ^ Deterding, David (2007) Singapore English, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, p. 76.
26. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 195
27. ^ Hanji character (http://twblg.dict.edu.tw/holodict/fontPics/8CB5._104_1.gif)
28. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 215.
29. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 229.
30. ^ Tongue, R. K. (1979) The Engish of Singapore and Malaysia, Singapore: Eastern Universities Press, p. 68.
31. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, pp. 85-6
32. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 128.
33. ̂a b Deterding, David (2007) Singapore English, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, p. 80.
34. ̂a b Deterding, David (2007) Singapore English, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, p. 81.
35. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 154.
36. ^ Deterding, David (2000) 'Potential influences of English on the written English of Singapore'. In Adam Brown(ed.) English in Southeast Asia 99: Proceedings of the 'English in Southeast Asia' conference held at NIESingapore, Singapore: National Institute of Education, pp. 201-209.
37. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, pp. 187
38. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 211.
39. ^ Brown, Adam (1999) Singapore English in a Nutshell, Singapore: Federal, p. 217
References
Ho, Mian Lian and Platt, John Talbot (1993). Dynamics of a contact continuum: Singapore English.Oxford: Clarendon Press; New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-824828-8.Lim, Lisa (2004). Singapore English: a grammatical description. Amsterdam; Philadelphia: JohnBenjamins. ISBN 1-58811-576-3.Newbrook, Mark (1987). Aspects of the syntax of educated Singaporean English: attitudes, beliefs,
and usage. Frankfurt am Main; New York: P. Lang. ISBN 3-8204-9886-9.Platt, John Talbot and Weber, Heidi (1980). English in Singapore and Malaysia: status, features,functions. Kuala Lumpur: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-580438-4.
External links
The Coxford Singlish Dictionary @ Talkingcock.com (http://www.talkingcock.com/html/lexec.php?)
A Dictionary of Singlish and Singapore English (http://www.singlishdictionary.com)Potential influences of Chinese on English (http://videoweb.nie.edu.sg/phonetic/papers/chin-infl-on-eng.html)Singapore Speak Good Singlish Movement (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Speak-Good-Singlish-Movement/152213451475413)
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