Singlish Expressions

Singlish is quite interesting, it’s a combination of few languages and dialects together and become common used. It is spoken with little expression with change in pitch and volume to highlight certain words. Below are the expressions that very common used in daily conversations. For locals, feel free to correct me hor?

◎Aiya! / Aiyo! : An exclamation usually used when surprised or frustrated.

Ex: Aiyo! Your leg is bleeding.

◎Alamak! : Oh No!,used when shocked or suddenly realized that you forgot do something important

Ex: Alamak! I forgot to bring my passport.

◎Chey! / Cheyyy : Used when you are disappointed or unimpressed.

Ex: Cheyyy... Even a 5-year old kid knows Singapore is not part of China.

◎Choi! : Means "touch wood". Used when someone says something unlucky to you.

Ex: (your response when someone tells you that you will lose at the casino) - Choi! I will win!

◎Har? : Similar to "Huh?". Used when you didn't hear clearly or when can't believe what you heard.

Ex: Har? What did you say?

◎Hor? : Means "Right?". Used when in doubt or to seek assurance.

Ex: So I will see you this coming Saturday hor?

  

◎Hor : Used as a reminder or warning.

Ex: Don't forget about the meeting at 3pm hor.

◎Hai... / Haizzz... : Sigh.

Ex: Hai... how come you forgot this?

◎Issit? / Is It? / Sure not? / Zhun Bo? : When you are doubtful or surprised about was told to you.

Ex: (response when someone tells the casino is giving away free money) - Issit? Let's go then.

◎Lah! : Can be used to show excitement or to place emphasis on a statement.

Ex: Come on! Let's go lah!

◎Leh / Lor (Lo) : Used to place emphasis, or to sound convincing, or as a matter of fact.

Ex: I don't have money with me leh. 

◎Liao / Le : Similar to "already".

Ex : I am very tired. Going to bed liao/le.

◎ Meh? : Used in a question.

Ex: Why you blame me? You think I want it to be like that meh? 

◎Mah : Similar to "Leh" and "Lor".

Ex: Don't blame me lah. I also in trouble mah.

◎Oi! / Oei! : An impolite way to get someone's attention.

Ex: Oei! Are you even listening to what I am saying?

  

◎Orh : To agree or acknowledge when someone tells you something. Similar to "OK".

Ex: Orh. I will go with you.

◎Sia! : An exclamation similar to "damn!".

Ex: Go away. You very irritating sia!

◎Siao Liao! / Jia Lat! : Usually used when something bad happens, similar to how "Oh no!" is used. 

Ex: Siao liao lah! I lost my credit card! 

◎Wah! : Wow!

Ex: Wah! That car costs a million dollars.

◎Wah Lao! / Wah Piang! / Wah Seh : Oh my God, usually used when disappointed or shocked. 

Ex: Wah lao! I am already here and you are still in office?