7 Early, 8 Early (七早八早)

7 Early, 8 Early Origin: Chinese – From the chinese phrase 七早八早, which means early in the morning. “7 Early, 8 Early” (七早八早) also common in its hokkien form is used to refer to the time frame between 7am – 8am (or earlier) when some could still be asleep. It is commonly used as a phrase […]

Siang Kar Pager?

Siang Kar Pager? Origin: Hokkien – It is a question asking who had paged me on my pager This hokkien phrase was commonly used back in the 80s/90s and early 2000s when there was widespread use of pagers. A pager also known as a beeper is a telecommunication device that can receive alphanumeric messages and […]

Satki

Satki Origin: Hokkien/Chinese – literally means someone has a fierce aura/look (杀气). Satki is used to describe someone that has a fierce aura/look. However, It is popularly used to describe someone that looks cool. It is as though if looks could kill.

Chao Keng

Chao Keng Origin: Hokkien- means feigning illness or physical injury Chao Keng is a commonly used term when describing someone for feigning illness or injury in order to avoid a duty/responsibility. This term is often used in the Army and at workplaces. It is synonymous to the english word “malinger”.

Oei

Oei Origin: Singlish/Sound- Used when calling out to someone (informal) Oei or Oui is used when you call out to someone that you know. It is an informal way and some regard it as a being rude especially when you are the one being called out to.