Social
lah
ends a sentence, e.g. "ok lah"
Softener / emphasis particle — makes a statement friendlier or more final.
lor
ends a sentence, e.g. "like that lor"
Resigned acceptance — that's just how it is.
Daily life
can / cannot
kahn / kahn-not
Yes that works / no that doesn't — the all-purpose yes-no of Singlish.
chope
chope (rhymes with hope)
To reserve a seat — usually by leaving a packet of tissues on the table.
Food
makan
MAH-kahn (Malay)
Food / to eat — "go makan?" means let's grab a meal.
shiok
shee-OK
Delicious / awesome / deeply satisfying.
tabao
dah-BAO
Takeaway / to pack food to go.
kopi
KOH-pee
Coffee — order "kopi o" (black, sugar) or "kopi c" (evaporated milk) at a kopitiam.
Work
kiasu
KYA-soo
Afraid to lose out — the competitive, grab-it-first mindset.
Greetings
terima kasih
t'REE-ma KA-seh (Malay)
Thank you.
xie xie
shyeh-shyeh (Mandarin)
Thank you.
Emergency
alamak
ah-lah-MAK
Oh no! / oops — an exclamation of surprise or dismay.
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