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.