Before you embark on your journey to study in Singapore, it’s best you learn some Singlish words so that you don’t feel left out during conversations.
#1 Ali Baba
It means to steal or cheat, based on the story of Ali Baba and the forty thieves. You’d normally hear people say – ‘Don’t act blur ok. I know you Ali Baba my fries when I went to the toilet.’
#2 All fart and no shit
A description of someone who’s full of empty promises. For instance, ‘Everyday say you want to treat me go lunch, but you all fart and no shit only.’
#3 Amacam
A contraction of the Malay word ‘Apa macam.’
#4 Arbo
A derivative of the term ‘ah then.’
#5 Chikopeh
Meaning pervert.
#6 Confirm plus chop
This means that you’re extremely sure of something. ‘Guarantee got chop’ denotes that the paperwork will be approved.
#7 Gostan
Go backwards or reverse.
#8 Hosei lioa
This is in Hokkien, which means very good or excellent. It’s used mostly in a sarcastic manner. Eg ‘You didn’t study for exams? Ho sei liao.’
#9 Wah lao/ Wah she/ Wah kao
All in Hokkien, these are expressions of pure shock.
#10 Ya ya papaya
If someone refers to you as a ‘ya ya papaya’, it means you’re an arrogant person.
Singapore is a great place to study apart from its rich interesting culture. Start searching for courses now.
