from Malay
To get hit with something bad, like a fine or a scolding; also marks the passive ("get ...-ed").
I kena saman for parking at the yellow line.
by Singlish Dictionary · 14 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
from Mandarin
To push a task or responsibility onto someone else.
Every project he tai chi to the intern.
by Singlish Dictionary · 14 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
from English
To pick someone for a task, usually an unpleasant one.
I kena arrow to organise the D&D.
by Singlish Dictionary · 14 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
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from Malay
To conspire; to gang up.
The whole office pakat to surprise her on her birthday.
by Singlish Dictionary · 14 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
from Hokkien
To tell on someone behind their back.
Who bao toh to the teacher that I copied homework?
by Singlish Dictionary · 14 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
from English
To sabotage someone, get them into trouble, or prank them.
Who sabo me, put my name for the 6am duty?
by Singlish Dictionary · 13 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
from Hokkien
To stand someone up; to bail at the last minute.
Said 7pm, then pang seh me at 6.55.
by Singlish Dictionary · 13 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
from Malay
To skip school or work; to play truant. Also shortened to "pon".
He ponteng PE to play mobile games.
by Singlish Dictionary · 13 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
from Hokkien
Short for "chao keng": to fake being sick to dodge work. Also spelt "geng".
Don't keng lah, I saw you play basketball yesterday.
by Singlish Dictionary · 13 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
from Hokkien
To skive off duties (especially in NS) by faking sickness.
Every route march sure his leg pain, confirm chao keng.
by Singlish Dictionary · 13 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)