More Singlish words + phrases I've adopted | Brit speaking singlish!

[@Sandy-in1eb]

I DIED WHEN SHE SAID REALLY MEH. if u close your eyes and listen to her, she sounds EXACTLY LIKE A SINGAPOREAN AHAHAHHAHAHA rly mehhh???!!!!??!??

[@sumit6190p]

Haha so true when ang Mo nails a Singapore slang perfectly.

[@jonathanlee5520]

@@sumit6190p Siaok eh, She is No AngMoh, k ? Georgia is merely a marvelous KIM MOH !

[@LifeHacksProducts]

Really mehhh?

[@frostbitepokin9520]

Really meh?

[@Towkeeyoh]

Her Shiok and Sian oso damn zun

[@alvinwong8963]

SUAY means unlucky or bad luck. The opposite of SUAY is HENG which means good luck. HUAT means to strike it rich or be prosperous.

[@Leafisa]

Lai Lai is Mandarin ( Come come ). Paiseh is Hokkien ( Embarrassed ) Wait Ah. ( Ah, Is a nuance ) Aiyoh , Aiya ( oh my goodness, good grief ) Want ( Is a question and answer ) Choibu ( Beautiful girl ) Chope ( To reserve ) Atas ( Posh , Fancy ) Lobang ( Good deal ) Really meh ( Meh is a nuance ) Shiok ( Great, that is so wonderful ) Sian ( Sick , Tired , Boring ) Suay ( Unlucky ) : Huat ( Lucky ) Your Singlish is getting better and better. You are Power lah

[@Pinkyearlgrey]

This is how Singaporeans recognise each other when travelling or living overseas.

[@user-ok1fm4to1p]

Anad malayss

[@cecilialim8253]

😆😆😆 True....i can recognise a Singapprean from Malaysian, Vietnamese,Japanese,etc.

[@meifernlee4410]

Would you make a vlog recording your family’s reaction using singlish while conversing with them? That would be so interesting... Btw, my friends and I love all your singlish videos so much..

[@1337hacks]

The opposite of "suay" is "heng", pretty sure you've heard your friends exclaim "heng ah" after a close shave!

[@swxs1986]

hi klinsen long time no see!

[@vincecarlo]

Ah Bu Then

[@checkoutmychucks]

I just moved to Singapore a couple weeks ago. I'm so happy I've found your channel. It's a good guide to help me navigate the new world of Singapore. I'm definitely going to have to get use to the current Covid restrictions, but I'm still so excited to explore.

[@hanssolos3699]

when i was working there i acquired many local profanities. Very delightful and useful. I wrote them down for preservation. Im still using them just bcos i know what they mean when others around me dont. So beautiful to cuss in singlish.

[@Sunflower-bo2mc]

It’s kinda funny that you adopted Singlish into your dictionary, because I’m trying to remove it from mine because it makes my oral examinations easier. 💕

[@GeorgiaCaney]

Haha love that 😂

[@curtin-hammett]

Right on!!!

[@dannylamb456]

I have to keep Singlish as part of my personal lexicon thanks to the incredibly xenophobic nature of most Singaporeans. Retail work is hard enough, but I'd rather have it than be threatened with unemployment due to my nonstandard accent. Pretty funny though

[@mwl491]

Huat means to prosper while Opp of Suay is “Heng” meaning lucky. So if you remembered to take your brolly out and it rained, you say: Heng Ah, I brought my umbrella!

[@ceciliat123]

Common exclamations like 'so suay lah' as opposed to 'heng ah'. The latter said for example, when you had won something or when you almost encountered an accident but got away safe.

[@aussierheinhardt4390]

Lol, when i speak singlish with my aussies frenz. They look at me with amazed and ask me to teach them. Something new to learnt always everyday.

[@Richard1855]

The word "lai" on its own is come. When repeated three times 'lai lai lai", it is welcome and was used back in the early days when Hokkien was the street language of the day. Today Chinese/Mandarin being the norm, this phrase used and still has the same intention.

[@yukimummy]

You’re so cute Georgia! The way you use Singlish makes my day! Good job! Love your vids!

[@edwardedishire]

I'm a Singaporean and even i myself find Singlish hilarious after watching your videos. Being born here, Singlish has been part of my life but now i finally realised we actually shortened many words/phrases/sentences for convenience HAHAHA

[@SingZeon48]

it's so cool to see how much Singlish you've absorbed in your time in Singapore! as a Singaporean studying in UK, there are times when conversing with British friends where I almost instinctively lapsed into Singlish. but of course if I did, they just wouldn't understand what I meant. especially for phrases like 'paiseh', where it's such a succinct meaning for those who know what it means. I ended up trying to explain without using Singlish, but instead end up sounding overly formal at times ... there are also actual English words with different meanings in Singlish, two examples are 'blur' and 'psycho'. Blur is used as an adjective to mean clumsy, psycho as a verb to mean convince. Again, "sometimes I can be quite blur" and "he was trying to psycho you to go" just wouldn't make sense to Brits hahah

[@kejun88]

Opposite of suay is heng, which literally means lucky. In most context, it is used as a kind of relief based on luck, like when a person missed the dog poo by an inch and after realising, he will say "heng ah~"

[@haroldlo8624]

After spending many years in the UK, I find that I will naturally use the Queen’s English when speaking to non Singaporeans. Will automatically revert to Singlish when back amongst locals. Not sure which language centre in my brain will kick in if I ever speak to Brits fluent in Singlish? 🤔😂

[@danbi2000]

only if ang mo can speak singlish then u should use singlish otherwise dont

[@eatdriveplay]

"I want" is an 'act cute' way of expressing desperation of wanting something... haha. Its like how a toddler would say it, the first words they can utter - "I WANT!"

[@TheBoyboy321]

I just realised that lobang is quite a versatile word as well. Lobang can mean opportunity, contacts, flaws/damage. If there is a hole in your ceiling, you could say "My ceiling got one lobang sia".

[@fcscreen]

Lobang actual meaning is hole in Malay. In Singlish, it could refer to someone having good connection to certain things. You might say, " ask him lah, he has lots of lobang" or you might ask someone: " do you have any lobang headphones" which means asking if he know of any good deal of headphone or know anyone that could get a good deal for the headphone. Another word is pechar which means break in Malay, when some said pechar lobang, means break/broke/broken a hole. "Your pants pechar lobang means broken a hole in your pants. Pechar Lobang could also mean leaking out a secret. When someone says "you pechar lobang" basically means you have leak out a secret.

[@sittstands]

Your “really meh” was PERFECT 👌🏼

[@meluvcats]

I miss hearing you say "siao!" cause that was just. spot. on. You had such bravado when you said it and I can just imagine an auntie or ah lian (female delinquent) saying that after hearing the earth is flat 😂

[@dannilachoong]

wow i am impressed with ur singlish pronouciation, really like a true blue singaporean! steady lah!

[@yupatrick9635]

That's the unique of our language culture. We are just proud of it lor...

[@590162]

Singlish is fascinating to many linguists around the world! It is made up of vocab and sentence structures from different languages. 'Atas' and 'lobang' are from the Malay language.

[@taycs5733]

Some singlish words, like "shiok", "sabo", were added into the Oxford Dictionary

[@kimpohlim4119]

the opposite of suay used in a conversation is heng. e.g. it's pouring outside, heng ah i brought my umbrella along. (it's pouring outisde, luckily i brought along my umbrella)

[@Clammer999]

It’s not just your pronunciation but even your body language when doing so is pretty spot on😂

[@jdkhry]

Hahahaha Singaporean here! This is so interesting because we are encouraged to speak English like you, but here you are sharing about Singlish 😅 Love this though!!!!

[@kelvgan]

I love it you put all the singlish jargon into one bucket here! There are.so many mixture or ethnic or dialect languages in multi racial singapore tonhave all these singlish inventions from the growing up years in secondary school days and the guys who does national service! Not that proper English but yeah tailored locally MADE IM SINGAPORE only and generations using... Cool cute funny but its sibei song agh!

[@IM-sk4wj]

I'm impressed. You know the correct way of saying lobang! 7:05

[@stellalew1742]

You NAILED it Girl !

[@Towkeeyoh]

Georgia, I think u can be like a tour guide of sorts into Singlish for visitors... well done. Super legit sia.

[@hanquanphoon5664]

Here's an idea for a video that you could do that can help an expat: different terms/codes for ordering coffee/kopi at coffee shops, ie. kopi C, O, kosong, kaw, etc.

[@shivambakhshi4859]

Scold and troublesome are English words very commonly used in India. Seems like its use was more common in the earlier times during colonial rule, and stayed in those countries under the empire earlier while the usage reduced in the UK. Interesting how language evolves over time

[@Pink-Sushi-jp]

Great video. Your channel is the only one that gives insights on Singaporian life. Most of the expats never mix with the natives so they really don't know much about the people. If you write down your experience, it could be a best seller book. There is nothing like what you are doing anywhere.

[@belle520TM]

Hahahaah we love people learning our language, is nice to see foreigner using Singlish actually.

[@honeypotfilms6066]

just wanna say that u look gorgeous ur literally GLOWING - honeypot films

[@sumit6190p]

One of the funniest video on this channel in recent times. Thank you

[@shadertheboi]

I can see that you really have put in the effort in your Singlish linguistics! Good job! You deserve a 👍🏿!

[@benk7177]

Your emulation of "I want I want" was unsurpassed. Laugh die me. Hahahahahaha

[@caraisabelladeborah]

It has solved a 30 year mystery for me- as a child I always just thought my friends were just plain rude and stayed away! 😂😂😂

[@francesraventabudlong7964]

I always enjoy watching your videos, it makes me more excited to go to Singapore 😍

[@NelsonTankiatwee]

"So what do you do?" "Study lor." "Oh, so you study law." "Cannot meh?"

[@mikecheng9408]

life-long learning lor to avoid industry punishment law.

[@musenw8834]

Classic joke lmao!

[@RahimRahmat]

Serj Tankian also speaks Singlish. He has this song where he sings "Lai lai lai lai lai lai lai lai, lai lai lai"....

[@gachaponer]

"Chio" can also be used to mean something is pretty/beautiful So if you saw a pretty woman, you can say "she is so chio" If you wish to substitute "so" or "very" (or anything with similar meanings) with a Singlish word, you can use "jin" : wah! she jin chio leh! (Wow! She's really pretty!)

[@dominicyong9839]

Lobang also means ‘hole’ in Malay.

[@singlah]

When people use this expression in Singlish, it really means that you have found a "loophole"... i.e., if you can find your way into a secret club, or find a deal that is not found elsewhere.... you need a lobang.

[@singlah]

Atas is also a Malay word which simply means "up" (literally). So someone or something that is upper class is "atas" because it's above the rest (figuratively).

[@aibanunu]

ur 'really meh?!' is sooo spot on!!! steady laaaaa hehehee

[@kindajal]

Atas is malay meaning on top thus the Atas in singlish meaning high end(person or place/product)

[@esteeinsweden]

"Heng ah" also mean good luck in hokkien. This video inspired me, being Singaporean living in Sweden for past 22 years, I almost forgotten singlish. I am inspired to produce one SingSwedish video, seriously sometimes I not sure if I speak English or Swedish. Now you literally speak like a Singaporean! Good for you! Thanks ❤️

[@matthewong1953]

Wow...u say "cannot ah?" perfectly

[@workfasts]

‘Huat’ usually for good luck in wealth while ‘Heng’ can be good luck in many things/ways. Example: Your are very Heng ah! You turn to the right side instead of the left or the flower pot may be dropping on you! Huat: Singapore Chinese like to shout Huat ah in New Year meal which mean good luck in jobs, businesses which make you earn more $. Even Huat for 4D, Toto etc.

[@swearwern4286]

Leceh is Malay word mean troublesome

[@eatdriveplay]

"Atas" means up in Indonesian... it means really 'high up there'/elite/posh. It can be used to describe someone who expects alot of class with everything.

[@xfirefox_x]

It is also a Malay word

[@85ewan]

ATAS is UP, lobang is hole. both malay words

[@Siewperman]

Some additional info. A lot of the phrases come from how things are spoken in a Chinese Household in their mother tongue. Example: I WANT, is something kids say at home in Mandarin... WO YAO.. in a response to a question which goes like.. Ni YAO MA? (do you want?).. Hence, the direct translation of WO YAO... is I WANT. Further elaborations: 1. ATAS.. its the Malay word for Up.. so if you are "Up". So anything up, is generally better. So it can be like, "you so atas".. means, you so.. posh.. 2. LOBANG.. is adopted from a Malay word which is Lubang.. whici literally means hole.. so its somewhat implying that if you a "hole" which is open for exploitation.

[@eightfoldsg]

Your enunciation of singlish words are so on point lol 😂

[@liliantay135]

Sibeh enjoyed watching this episode leh..u really knacked it leh 😄

[@curtin-hammett]

It’s hilarious cause I’ve always admired the British accent? I’m trying to get rid of all my Singlish and Georgia is here trying to learn it!

[@Moonie0905]

Opposite of Suay is "Heng "..it means good luck, or lucky

[@jamesjong497]

Your Singlish & English is impeccable. 👏👏👏👍👍

[@aggierants]

I love how u pronounced shiok with the emphasis on the k. Loll. Well done G!

[@iMattCi89]

The 'AH' filler is nicer-sounding than "umm" or "er" imo haha!

[@briantan937]

"Really meh" pronunciation really on point!

[@ryanchin6289]

You could also interchange the word "mafan" with "troublesome"! "Wah I'm damn sian of it, cos it is so mafan sia"

[@nostaku]

"Leceh" can also be used 😊

[@wahraoeh]

Lobang actually Malay for "hole"... or like a gap to fill. So in terms of shopping, lobang means a deal to take advantage of. But it can also be for things like jobs and opportunities... e.g. Eh, I quit my job liao, so now damn free... got any lobang (job opportunities) lemme know can?" ... or "Eh bro, I looking for a place to fix my car bumper, you got lobang anot?" meaning "do you know a place I can go get it fixed at?"

[@easybusy6967]

That's the thing about Singlish where context is always important ba? During the video I shouted out, "taiko!" to the opposite of "suay" but "heng" totally is too!

[@Richard1855]

The word "atas" is actually a Malay word which means on top. Used in the Singapore context, as you have mentioned means posh. However, if used with another Malay word "sikit" which means a bit, "sikit atas" has a totally different connotation and it means a touch above the rest. The phrase would go In Singlish something like this: "wah you sikit atas ah! Love all your videos by the way :-)

[@Cptjonmiller]

1 level up of troublesome is "mafan", in case you don't already know.

[@iAxianguy]

LOL.... Love the way you said "Meh" and "sian" 😁

[@hafizhl]

The literal meaning of "atas" in malay is ⬆️ up. Or can be use for upper class like you mentioned

[@kennyzeng21]

Heng! "really meh" is perfect pitch totally. LOL

[@syahf]

Lobang also means a when a person is trying to cheat you or tell a lie. For the malays is Sg though.

[@matthewong1953]

Lobang also means a connection...as a connection with someone which is why I got a good or special deal

[@sejtam]

Lobang means 'hole' 'openin'g'.. and thus gets used as 'adah lobang' (do you have an opening [job,free slot for ... etc]).

[@jamchlosen8327]

Opposite of *Suay* (Unlucky) Is *Heng* = *Lucky*

[@yangjianguo1848]

Opposite of suay is heng unfortunate = suay fortunate = heng "huat" is meant for "prosperity" or "to prosper"

[@epylsg999]

Hi Georgia, you are very chio! So funny to hear you speak Singlish. You can speak Singlish so well and cute. By just listening, i thought you are the local chio bu! hahaha

[@chickenboy5071]

As a joke my friends and I use "say real" or "say real?" instead of "really" as a direct translation of 讲真的. Sometimes we also use says real, say reals, says reals.

[@sean-m4g5k]

Can you not leave SG for good? :( I always look forward to your Singlish videos to see how much Singapore has changed you! You will be such an awesome Singaporean! AND, if you have kids in future, they are certainly gonna be 101% Singaporean!

[@GeorgiaCaney]

Ok then :( haha

[@berenice3626]

shiok can also be refreshing!!

[@becidus]

Your “really meh” sounds really cute!

[@desandylam]

i think "Atas" means upstairs in Malaysia. But it means posh in Singapore.

[@thomasgoh2896]

" lai lai lai " or come come come. Hahaha ! You are so funny !

[@hillerie]

Ooo I can add something in your vocabulary is alamak you use it wen you are shock or like oh my god

[@eggyfresh40]

I was smiling throughout 🤣 and laughing. I was asking myself "are you sure you use singlish outside in public?" Because my family we use british accent a lot if we disturbing each other. British accent have this funny way of speaking 🤣 Example if my sister raise her voice at me jokingly i use "you'd really loike to raise your voice do you yeah mate" 🤣 anyway love your singlish.

[@chenlanorange]

I lived in Singapore for five years before went to college in the UK. This video made me laugh!

[@Dipdipsnow]

We probably say :”I want I want” to someone who is close to us 😉

[@guanwenfaniiqeteo7850]

Huat means to prosper, to strike jackpot first prize literally. To win money with a stroke of luck. Opposite of huat is suay(pronunciation same as sway) means unlucky

[@Sunflower-bo2mc]

As a Singaporean student, to be honest half of me feels like Singlish is bad because it’s, well, speaking “wrongly”. And then the other half thinks it’s kinda cool.

[@jasleinei744]

As a linguistics major in SG, what I can say is Singlish is a local variety of colloquial English like many other varieties of spoken English around the world. It tends to have quite a different grammatical structure from Standard English due to influence from many languages like Malay, Hokkien etc. so I won't go so far as to say it is 'bad' English, it is just another variety of spoken English. It is considered 'bad' in the eyes of the public when you compare it to Standard English because of its prestige, how it isn't necessarily used for official purposes and how it differs from Standard English grammatically etc., but again this is very subjective. There are quite a few people who see it as a way of expressing their unique identity as a Singaporean. Even within mainly English speaking countries like the UK and US, there are many localised varieties of English (be it through the accent, vocab etc.) like African American Vernacular English, as well as various English dialects in the UK which pronounce certain words very differently and have different grammar structures.

[@Sunflower-bo2mc]

@@jasleinei744 I agree, at the end of the day a language is for communication

[@hongng3963]

Frankly speaking, I do not encourage Singlish or even feel proud about it

[@sofiaruss8958]

@@hongng3963 why not?

[@mariachew3586]

Opposite of suay is heng ah!

[@IZTheOne]

You nailed the Lobang pronunciation lol!

[@schrodingerbracat2927]

the opposite of "suay" is "heng", as in "Heng ah!" . huat means to "prosper". tiok means to hit/strike e.g. lottery. . so if you heng heng and tiok beh pio (lottery), you huat ah!

[@jophobia]

Opposite of Suay is Heng!!!

[@hanriktan]

lobang can also be opportunity

[@81antiloop]

Paiseh - your Pai is in the correct tone. Do a slightly lower tone for your Seh. Pai (neutral) Seh (down)

[@supreme87878]

Wahahahha.....i couldnt imagine both u using these singlish word when you are back in the UK, friends and family would be stunned. Opposite of suay is heng.

[@MarverneBlaise]

Love this video! maybe try making a video of you ordering food outside with Singlish haha

[@matthewong1953]

That's an excellent suggestion!

[@swearwern4286]

Yes, a video of you actually using Singlish Haha

[@noorirwan686]

my fave is Jialat pronounced as "Chee-ah lard"..meaning im screwed or im in deep shit. Eg "wow Jialat i lost my wallet, or jialat i overslept late for meeting

[@steam4life424]

"Lobang" in certain context can also mean "Opportunity". Eg. "If you have a lobang (opportunity) for a job, gig, let me know."

[@kelvgan]

The obverse of "suay" is 'heng" or "si bei heng" or means so so lucky!

[@eatdriveplay]

opposite of sway (unlucky/cursed) = heng (lucky)

[@sejuk1990]

tyco also can mean lucky