Speak Like a Local: Must-Know Singlish Words and Phrases in Singapore

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - To navigate around Singapore better, one must understand Singlish, as it's the informal language that threads through daily life. It is concise, expressive, and unmistakably local.

You won't find it in textbooks, but instead hear it in hawker centers, taxis, and casual chats over kopi. Born from a mix of cultures, Singlish words blend English with Malay, Mandarin, and other regional languages into a form that feels both familiar and distinct.

From words to phrases and slang, here’s the ultimate Singlish dictionary as quoted from The Honeycombers, The Smart Local, and The Culture Trip. 

Singlish Dictionary 101: Singlish Words 

Agak agak
A Malay phrase used when estimating something roughly, without exact measurement.

Aiyoh
An exclamation that signals frustration, surprise, or mild exasperation.

Alamak
A casual reaction similar to “oh no” or “oh man,” often used in sudden realization.

Arrow
To pass a task to someone else, usually to avoid doing it yourself.

Atas
Describes something upscale, classy, or associated with higher social standing.

Boleh
A simple way to say something is possible or can be done.

Cheem
Used when something feels overly complex, confusing, or hard to grasp.

Chiong
To rush headlong into something or push hard to complete a task.

Chope
To reserve or claim something ahead of others.

Diam
A sharp way of telling someone to be quiet, often in irritation.

Eh
A casual call to get someone’s attention or start a conversation.

Huat
A Hokkien expression wishing or celebrating prosperity and good fortune.

Jia lat
Describes a situation that has gone badly or is turning problematic.

Kaki
Refers to a close companion, often someone you share activities with.

Kaypoh
Describes a nosy person who gets involved in others’ affairs.

Kena
Implies being subjected to something, usually negative or unwanted.

Kiasu
A defining local trait—overly competitive, driven by the fear of losing out.

Lah
A signature Singlish particle used to add emphasis or soften tone.

Leh
Often added to express uncertainty or to turn a statement into a gentle question.

Lepak
To hang out aimlessly and relax without a fixed plan.

Lobang
Refers to useful tips, opportunities, or insider deals.

Lor
Conveys resignation, as if accepting a situation with little enthusiasm.

Makan
The everyday Malay term for eating.

Nua
To lounge around lazily, doing absolutely nothing.

Sabo
To play a trick on someone or deliberately set them up.

Shag
Feeling extremely tired or drained of energy.

Shiok
Expresses deep satisfaction or enjoyment—especially with food.

Sian
A sense of boredom, weariness, or emotional fatigue.

Siao
A blunt way to call someone crazy or unreasonable.

Swee
Used to praise something as beautiful, smooth, or perfectly done.

Tolong
A direct plea for help or assistance.

Ulu
Describes a remote or hard-to-reach place.

Walao
An emotional reaction to shock, disbelief, or frustration.

Wayang
Refers to putting on an act or behaving insincerely.

Zai
A compliment for someone highly skilled, steady, and impressive.

Zhng
To customize, upgrade, or stylize something, often for aesthetic appeal.

Singlish 101: Singlish Phrases or Slang

Act blur
Pretending not to know or acting innocent to avoid responsibility.

Bo chap
To show indifference or simply not care about what’s happening.

Bo jio
A playful complaint when someone didn’t invite you along.

Bo liao
Describes something pointless, boring, or a waste of time.

Can or not?
A quick way to check if something is possible or acceptable.

Catch no ball
Used when you completely don’t understand what’s going on.

CMI
Short for “cannot make it,” meaning something is not good enough.

Come, I clap for you
A sarcastic remark used to mock or slow-clap someone’s actions.

Die die must try
Expresses determination, something you insist on doing no matter what.

Eye power
Refers to using only your eyes to “help,” without actual effort.

Gai gai
To go out casually, usually for a walk, shopping, or just strolling around.

Geh kiang
Acting overly clever or showing off, often unnecessarily.

Hais / haiz
A sigh of disappointment or defeat, used when something goes wrong.

Isit
A flexible phrase meaning “really?” or used to turn a statement into a question.

Jio
To invite someone to hang out or join an activity.

Kiap
To clip, clamp, or hold something tightly in place; can also refer to the tool used.

Ling ling long long
Small, noisy trinkets or accessories, often hanging on bags.

Onz
A casual way of saying you’re in, ready, or down for something.

Own time own target
Working at your own pace without strict deadlines.

Paiseh
Feeling shy, embarrassed, or awkward in a situation.

Pang seh
To abandon someone, especially at the last minute.

Ponteng
Skipping school, work, or responsibilities.

QQ
Describes food with a chewy, springy texture, especially noodles.

Rabak
Something that’s very bad, messy, or out of control.

Spoil market
Ruining things for others by raising expectations too high.

Steady
A compliment for someone reliable, calm, or impressive.

Tak boleh tahan / Buay tahan
Used when something is unbearable or cannot be tolerated.

Tapao / Dabao
To pack food for takeaway instead of eating in.

Toh
To collapse, fail, or end up in a bad situation, physically or figuratively.

From everyday conversations to playful banter, these singlish words and phrases capture the personality of life in Singapore. Once you start picking them up, navigating the city feels a little more natural and a lot more fun.

Ready to explore beyond the language? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Singapore for first-time visitors and experience it all like a true local.

Read: From 'Jialat' to 'Kaypoh', New Singlish Words Join Oxford English Dictionary

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