May 2017 - Page 2 of 5 - Singlish Dictionary

Chao

Posted on May 18, 2017by Singaporean

Chao Origin: Hokkien – This word literally means smelly. Chao simply means smelly and it is such a versatile word that can be strung with other hokkien and even english words to form an expression.

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Siao

Posted on May 18, 2017May 18, 2017by Singaporean

Siao Origin: Hokkien – literally means crazy. Siao is the hokkien word for crazy. It can be used in a myriad of forms, stringing with various hokkien and english words into a phrase.

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Ngeow Origin: Hokkien/Teochew – The direct translation is “Cat” but is mostly used to describe a scrooge. Ngeow is used to described a person that is stingy and behaves like a scrooge. A person of such personality can also be picky over trivial things and find fault with others.

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Zhng

Posted on May 18, 2017May 18, 2017by Singaporean

Zhng Origin: Hokkien – A word to describe modify/upgrade Zhng is commonly used to describe a modification, usually an upgrade to a vehicle or gadget.

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Yaya

Posted on May 16, 2017by Singaporean

Yaya Origin: Malay, to describe an arrogant person Yaya is used to describe an arrogant person, it can also be used to describe someone who is proud and looks down on others.

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NATO – No Action Talk Only

Posted on May 11, 2017by Singaporean

NATO Origin: Acronym, Army lingo.

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11B – Military Identification Card

Posted on May 11, 2017May 12, 2017by Singaporean

11B Origin: Army term. 11B is a Military Identification card for Singaporeans serving Full-Time National Service

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Yaya Papaya

Posted on May 8, 2017May 16, 2017by Singaporean

Yaya Papaya Origin: Malay and Singlish – This term is derived from the malay word “yaya” which is to describe an arrogant person. Yaya Papaya is used to described a proud person or a person exhibiting arrogance. Papaya was most likely used to pair with yaya because of their similar pronunciation which makes the term […]

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Xia Suay

Posted on May 8, 2017May 16, 2017by Singaporean

Xia Suay Origin: Hokkien and Teochew – a term to describe embarrassment or disgrace. Xia Suay is often used to describe a person or a situation where there is embarrassment or disgrace caused by the person or actions by that person.

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Van Kleef Aquarium

Posted on May 8, 2017May 16, 2017by Singaporean

Van Kleef Aquarium Origin: Van Kleef Aquarium was an Aquarium built in 1950s and was subsequently demolished in 1990s

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