Singlish slang words and phrases to know – Full Guide February 2026

Singapore is a linguistic wonderland where culture and language collide. To truly understand the heart of the “Lion City,” there are many Singlish slang words and phrases to know before you arrive.

Singlish, also known as Singapore Colloquial English, is a fascinating blend of English, Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Tamil. It is the unofficial language of the streets and a badge of identity for locals.

In this guide updated for March 2026, we will break down the most essential terms. You will learn how to order food, describe people, and navigate social situations without feeling like a “blur like sotong.”

What is Singlish? A Quick Cultural Primer

Singlish is more than just a dialect; it is a reflection of Singapore’s multicultural history. It emerged as different ethnic groups lived and worked together, blending their native tongues into a shared way of communicating.

While the government often encourages the use of Standard English for international business, Singlish remains the language of the home and the hawker centre. It is efficient, colorful, and deeply expressive.

Here are the primary languages that influence Singlish:

• English: The base for most sentence structures.
• Malay: Provides many words for food and everyday objects.
• Hokkien & Teochew: Contributes expressive exclamations and personality descriptions.
• Cantonese & Tamil: Adds unique grammar nuances and specific vocabulary.

The Essentials: Everyday Singlish Expressions

To start your journey, you must learn the “musical notes” of Singlish. These are the suffixes and exclamations that give the language its unique rhythm and emotional weight.

1. Lah / Leh / Mah: These are iconic suffixes added to the ends of sentences. “Lah” adds emphasis, “Leh” is used for uncertainty or questioning, and “Mah” indicates that something is obvious.
2. Alamak: An expression of shock, surprise, or dismay. It is equivalent to saying “Oh my gosh!” or “Oh no!”
3. Wah lau / Wah piang: These are exclamations used when you are shocked or exasperated. For example, if a meal is unexpectedly expensive, you might say, “Wah lau! So expensive!”
4. GG (Good Game): Borrowed from gaming, this is used sarcastically to describe a situation that is going badly. If you miss your bus, your friend might simply say, “GG, man.”
5. Because it’s liddat: A shortening of “because it is like that.” It is the perfect answer when you do not have a real explanation for why something is happening.

Makan Time: Singlish for Food and Dining

Food is a national obsession in Singapore. If you want to eat like a local at a hawker centre, you must master these specific Singlish slang words and phrases to know.

Using these words correctly will immediately gain you respect from the “Aunties” and “Uncles” running the food stalls. Remember that “chope” is a serious social contract in Singapore, especially during the lunch rush.

Describing People and Personalities

Singaporeans have a unique way of describing the characters they meet. These terms often capture a personality trait far better than any standard English word could.

• Angmoh: This term refers to Westerners or Caucasians. It is generally descriptive rather than offensive.
• Blur / Blur like sotong: A “sotong” is a squid. Being “blur like sotong” means you are confused, slow to catch on, or completely oblivious to what is happening.
• Kiasu: This is perhaps the most famous Singlish word. It refers to the “fear of losing out,” which drives people to queue for hours or grab the last item on a sale rack.
• Siao: Meaning “crazy” or “insane.” It is often used as a retort to a ridiculous suggestion. “You want to walk to Jurong in this heat? Siao ah?”
• Zai: This is a compliment for someone who is an expert or highly skilled at something. If someone is a pro at a sport, you would call them very “zai.”
• ‘Cher: A common and often affectionate abbreviation for “Teacher,” used by students of all ages.

Actions and Daily Scenarios

Whether you are working, studying, or hanging out with friends, these verbs and adjectives will come in handy during your daily routines in Singapore.

1. Bojio: This is used when your friends go out without inviting you. It literally means “no invite” and is usually said as a playful guilt trip.
2. Chiong: This means to rush or charge at something. You might “chiong” to meet a deadline or “chiong” to get a seat on the MRT.
3. Kena: This word means to be hit by or affected by something, usually something negative. “I kena a fine for littering.”
4. Mugging: In Singapore, this has nothing to do with crime. It means studying incredibly hard, especially during the weeks leading up to major exams.
5. Play cheat: Simply means to cheat or act unfairly to gain an advantage in a game or situation.
6. Pon (Ponteng): This is a Malay-derived word that means to play truant or skip a scheduled event like a class or a meeting.
7. Sian: An expressive word for feeling bored, tired, or fed up. It captures a specific sense of weary frustration.
8. Steady: This has multiple meanings. It can mean you are in a committed relationship, or it can be used to confirm an agreement. “We meet at 7pm? Steady!”

Common Mistakes Tourists Make with Singlish

Many visitors try to use Singlish but end up sounding a bit unnatural. The most common mistake is overusing “lah.” In Singlish, “lah” is used to emphasize a point, not to end every single sentence.

Another mistake is using “siao” in a way that sounds genuinely angry. Most of the time, Singlish terms are used with a specific tone that indicates humor or shared understanding.

If you are unsure of the context, it is usually better to listen first. Observe how locals use the suffixes to change the mood of a conversation before trying them yourself.

Pro-Tip: How to Practice and Do Your Own Research

Learning a language is a journey that goes beyond a simple list. While this guide provides the essentials, the best way to improve is through immersion and observation.

To truly master the nuances, you should do your own research by visiting neighborhood coffee shops (kopitiams) outside of the main tourist zones. Listen to how people order their drinks and interact with each other.

You can also watch local Singaporean films or YouTubers to hear the slang used in natural, modern contexts. This firsthand research will help you understand the speed and flow of the local lingo.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Is Singlish just broken English?

No, Singlish is a sophisticated colloquial language with its own internal logic and grammar rules. It is a creole that serves as a bridge between different cultures.

Should foreigners try to speak Singlish?

Locals generally appreciate the effort if you use words like “makan” or “chope.” However, avoid forcing the accent, as it can sometimes come across as mocking.

What is the most common Singlish word?

While “lah” is the most famous, “can” is likely the most used. In Singapore, “Can” is a complete sentence that means “Yes, I am able to do that.”

Conclusion

Understanding Singlish slang words and phrases to know is your key to unlocking a deeper connection with Singapore. It moves you from being a mere tourist to someone who appreciates the local “flavor.”

From the competitive spirit of “kiasu” to the delicious satisfaction of “shiok,” these words tell the story of a nation. They represent a unique cultural harmony that is found nowhere else in the world.

Now that you have the basics, go out and test your new vocabulary! Whether you are choping a table or dabaoing your dinner, you are now ready to speak like a true Singaporean.