/hwat ah/from Hokkien
Festive cheer wishing yourself (and everyone) prosperity; also simply "to prosper".
Toss higher, huat ah!
by Singlish Dictionary · 2 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
/tyo·boh/from Hokkien
"Right?" or "isn't it?", asking for agreement. Also spelt "tio boh".
Durian season best time of the year, tio bo?
by Singlish Dictionary · 1 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
/see·boh/from Hokkien
"Is it?" An expression of disbelief.
You finish the whole cake alone? Sibo?
by Singlish Dictionary · 1 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
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/see·mee/from Hokkien
"What?" Mildly rude; also "whatever".
Simi? You want me to OT on Saturday?
by Singlish Dictionary · 1 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
/syam/from Hokkien
"Get out of the way!" or "get lost!"; also to dodge or avoid.
Siam siam, the trolley coming through!
by Singlish Dictionary · 1 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
/pwee/from Hokkien
A spitting sound that shows strong disgust or disdain.
He said pineapple on pizza is the best? Pui!
by Singlish Dictionary · 1 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
/nah/from Malay
"Here!", said when handing something over.
Nah, your charger. Don't say I never return.
by Singlish Dictionary · 1 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
/lye·lye/from mixed
"Come, come!" Used to encourage someone or before asking them for something.
Lai lai, everybody take one plate first.
by Singlish Dictionary · 1 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
/or·hor/from Hokkien
Childish, teasing "ooh, you're in trouble", said when someone gets caught doing something wrong.
Orh hor, you broke the vase. I tell Mummy.
by Singlish Dictionary · 1 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)
/ah·boo·den/from mixed
Sarcastic "duh!" in reply to something blindingly obvious.
Do I need to go to work tomorrow? Abuden?
by Singlish Dictionary · 1 October 2026 · adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA)