Borrow Me

Borrow Me Origin: English/Singlish – broken english phrase used for borrowing something. Borrow me is wrongly used as a phrase when asking someone to lend an item. Instead of asking “Can I borrow your book?” or “Can you lend me your book?” , “borrow me” is often wrongly used in day-to-day conversation.

Lagi

Lagi Origin: Malay – lt simply means more, greater, further. Lagi is the Malay word that is used to describe something that is more or greater than usual which can be for the better or for worse.

Siao On

Siao On Origin: Hokkien/Singlish – describes a person who is too serious in things that he/she does. Siao On is a combination of hokkien and english which is used to described a person who is always on the ball and often is the one that spoils the market for everyone.

Die Die Must Buy

Die Die Must Buy Origin: Singlish/English – a phrase that literally says it is a must to buy even if you have to die for it. Die Die Must Buy is a phrase commonly used when a Singaporean spots an absolute bargain or when they travel overseas and realize that goods being sold are much […]

Old Bird

Old Bird Origin: Singlish/Hokkien – the english translation of “Lao Jiao” in hokkien means someone who is experienced and is considered to be a senior at a workplace. Old Bird is used to describe someone who has been at a e.g. a workplace or army for years and is considered to be experienced and a […]

Gostan

Gostan Origin: Malay – it means reverse and is a contradiction of the nautical term “to go astern” Gostan is used in scenarios where you need someone to go reverse/backwards. This usually happens in driving situations when you overshot at a destination or turn.