When I first landed in Singapore, one of the things that fascinated me most was the way people spoke. Sure, English is everywhere, from signs on the MRT to conversations at hawker centres, but it did not sound like the English I grew up with. It had its own rhythm, flavor, and personality. That is when I discovered Singlish.

Singlish, short for Singapore English, is a colorful and uniquely Singaporean blend of languages. It borrows words and expressions from multiple languages, including Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, Tamil, and of course, English, weaving them all into a form of communication that is instantly recognizable to locals. For me, it became more than just an interesting curiosity. It turned into something I absolutely fell in love with.

I still remember the first time a local laughed and told me, “Wah, you blur like sotong, lah!” At that moment, I had no idea what it meant, but the warmth in the delivery and the laughter that followed told me it was something playful. When I later learned it meant “clueless like a squid”, I could not stop smiling. From then on, I started listening more carefully, repeating words I heard, and even asking friends to explain phrases to me.

Singlish connected me more to Singaporeans

The more I learned Singlish, the more I felt connected to everyday Singaporeans. At hawker centres, uncles and aunties would light up when I used words like shiok to describe their food. When I slipped in a casual lah at the end of a sentence, locals would chuckle and say, “Eh, you picking up fast ah!” It was in those little interactions that I realized Singlish goes beyond being just language and into identity, humor, and a sense of belonging.

For me, Singlish became a gateway into truly understanding Singapore. You can read guidebooks, you can watch travel videos, but until you hear someone throw in a casual bo pian or aiyah in the middle of conversation, you will not fully grasp how expressive and alive communication is here.

If you are visiting or planning to live in Singapore, I cannot recommend learning some Singlish enough. It is not about perfect pronunciation or memorizing every single phrase. To me, it is about showing locals that you respect and appreciate their culture. Even if you only use a handful of expressions, you will see people’s faces light up. And honestly, it is a lot of fun.

That being said, here are 50 common Singlish terms and phrases that I have come to know and love. These are the same words I have heard from friends, taxi drivers, hawker stall owners, and even random people I met while exploring the city. They will not only help you sound more local but also make your time in Singapore far more memorable.

50 Common Singlish Terms and Phrases (with my experiences)

Everyday Expressions

Kojo Enoch at Merlion Park in Singapore with the iconic Merlion statue in the background

Lah

Added for emphasis and probably the most famous Singlish word. It does not have a fixed meaning on its own but changes the tone of the sentence. Adding lah can make something sound more casual, friendly, or convincing.
Example: “Relax lah, everything will be fine.”
You will hear lah almost everywhere in Singapore, from uncles chatting at the hawker centre to young people texting on WhatsApp.

Lor

Used to show resignation, acceptance, or indifference. It is a way of saying “that is just how it is” without wanting to argue further.
Example: “If he doesn’t want to come, then never mind lor.”
Lor adds a sense of finality, and sometimes it can sound a little dismissive depending on tone.

Leh

Softens a sentence, adds persuasion, or shows contrast. Leh makes a request sound less harsh and often makes the speaker sound friendlier.
Example: “Can help me carry this leh?”
It is commonly used when friends are persuading one another or when someone is trying to ask for a favor in a lighthearted way.

Liao

Means “already.” It is often added at the end of a sentence to show that something has been done or has already happened.
Example: “I eat liao, don’t need dinner.”
It makes speech faster and easier, replacing “already” in daily conversations. You will hear it all the time in casual talk.

Aiyoh

An exclamation of surprise, shock, disappointment, or sympathy. The meaning depends on tone. If said sharply, it shows frustration, but if drawn out, it can sound caring.
Example: “Aiyoh, why you drop your phone again?”
It is one of the most expressive Singlish sounds, and you will hear it from aunties, uncles, parents, and even younger Singaporeans.

Aiyah

An expression of frustration, annoyance, or dismissal. Similar to aiyoh but used when brushing something off or expressing impatience.
Example: “Aiyah, forget it lah, no point arguing.”
It often comes before giving up on something or telling someone not to bother.

Food Culture

Makan

Means “to eat” or simply “food.” It comes from Malay and is one of the most commonly used Singlish words.
Example: “Let’s go makan at the hawker centre later.”
You will hear it in all kinds of situations, whether friends are planning a meal or families are deciding where to eat.

Shiok

Used to describe something extremely satisfying, delicious, or enjoyable. It expresses pure pleasure.
Example: “This satay is so shiok!”
It can apply to food, drinks, or even experiences like getting a good massage.

Tapao (or Dabao)

Means to take away food or pack leftovers. It is the go-to word when you want food to go.
Example: “Too full now, I’ll tapao my noodles for later”.
Almost every food stall understands this term instantly.

Chope

Means to reserve a seat, most famously at hawker centres using tissue packets. It is a uniquely Singaporean habit.
Example: “Quick, chope the table before it gets crowded.”
Foreigners are often surprised to see tissues holding down seats, but locals know it is a well-respected system.

Kopi

Means coffee, but in Singapore it comes with many variations like kopi-o (black coffee), kopi-c (with milk), or kopi siew dai (less sugar).
Example: “Uncle, one kopi-o kosong, please.”
Ordering kopi is almost like learning a secret code that locals use every day.

Teh Tarik

A popular milk tea known as “pulled tea” because it is poured back and forth between cups to create froth.
Example: “After dinner, let’s go have teh tarik.”
Watching teh tarik being made is as enjoyable as drinking it, and it is a must-try in Singapore.

Social & Everyday Life

Small food and drinks stalls at Merlion Park in Singapore with people sitting and walking nearby

Kiasu

Refers to the fear of losing out. A kiasu person will go to great lengths to make sure they do not miss an advantage.
Example: “He queued two hours early for the free gift, so kiasu.”
This word is deeply tied to Singaporean culture and often said in a lighthearted or teasing way.

Kiasi

Refers to the fear of death, describing someone who is overly cautious or unwilling to take risks.
Example: “She refuses to try skydiving because she is too kiasi.”
It highlights a tendency to play safe at all times.

Blur

Used to describe someone who is confused or clueless.
Example: “He didn’t understand the instructions, so blur.”
It can be affectionate when used among friends or slightly critical in more serious contexts.

Steady

Means cool, reliable, or impressive. It can be used as praise when someone handles a situation well.
Example: “You can settle this by yourself? Steady!”
It is also used to describe someone trustworthy or dependable.

Paiseh

A borrowed Hokkien term that means embarrassed, shy, or feeling awkward.
Example: “Paiseh, I forgot to bring your umbrella back.”
It often carries a polite or humble tone, softening an apology or request.

Can

Used to show agreement or approval. It is short, direct, and very common in daily conversations.
Example: “Meet at 7pm? Can.”
It replaces full sentences like “Yes, that’s fine” with one simple word.

Cannot

The opposite of can. It is a firm refusal or a way to say something is not possible.
Example: “Discount? Cannot.”
Locals use it to end negotiations quickly and clearly.

Bo Pian

Means “no choice” or “nothing can be done.” It comes from Hokkien and is often used when a situation is unavoidable.
Example: “Traffic jam, bo pian, must wait.”
It captures the resigned attitude of accepting things as they are.

Insults & Banter (Playful)

Siao

Means crazy or insane. Often used in a joking way when someone does something silly or outrageous.
Example: “You want to swim during a thunderstorm? Siao ah?”
Tone matters a lot here. It can sound playful among friends or harsh if spoken angrily.

Bodoh

A Malay word that means stupid or foolish. It can be insulting if used seriously but is often thrown around casually among close friends.
Example: “You walk into the wrong classroom again? Bodoh lah.”
The delivery usually signals whether it is an insult or just a tease.

Blur Sotong

Refers to someone who is very clueless or absent-minded. “Sotong” means squid, suggesting someone who cannot see clearly.
Example: “He forgot his wallet again, so blur sotong.”
It is often used in a humorous way to describe forgetful people.

Kaypoh

Means busybody, someone who meddles in other people’s business.
Example: “Don’t be so kaypoh, it’s not your problem.”
Depending on tone, it can be teasing or slightly scolding.

Kao Peh

Means to complain loudly or whine excessively. Literally it comes from Hokkien and translates to “cry father.”
Example: “Every day he kao peh about his boss.”
This is one of the stronger Singlish phrases, usually used to describe someone who is overly negative or never satisfied.

Money & Work

Lobang

Refers to an opportunity, tip, or good deal. Often used when someone knows a hidden way to save money or get something cheaper.
Example: “I got lobang for discounted flight tickets.”
It can apply to jobs, sales, or even insider information.

Cheap Cheap

Means very cheap. The repetition emphasizes how inexpensive something is.
Example: “This T-shirt only five dollars, cheap cheap.”
It is usually used when someone is excited about a bargain.

Sabo

Short for sabotage. It means to get someone into trouble or set them up, usually in a playful way.
Example: “Don’t sabo me by telling the teacher I was late.”
Among friends, it can be a joke, but in serious situations it can mean someone is being unfairly blamed.

Arrow

Means to assign an unwanted task to someone, often by a boss or senior.
Example: “I got arrowed to work late on Friday night.”
It reflects how people in Singapore describe being forced to do something reluctantly.

Huat

Means prosperity or good fortune. It is most commonly heard during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Example: “Hope your business huat this year!”
People also shout “Huat ah!” together when tossing yusheng, the festive raw fish salad.

Time & Activities

Leh Cheh

Means troublesome or inconvenient. Often used when something feels like too much effort.
Example: “Filling out all these forms is so leh cheh.”
It captures the everyday frustration of dealing with small annoyances.

Chiong

Means to rush, charge forward, or go all out. It can describe both studying hard or rushing into battle.
Example: “During the sale, everyone chiong into the store.”
It shows the intensity and determination Singaporeans bring to a situation.

Onz

Means enthusiastic, committed, or ready to participate. Calling someone on means they are dependable and game for anything.
Example: “You want to join us for supper at midnight? Onz!”
It is a way to praise someone for being supportive and spontaneous.

Shag

Means extremely tired or exhausted. It is a common way to describe fatigue after a long day.
Example: “After hiking all afternoon, I’m shag already.”
You will hear this often from students, workers, and even soldiers in National Service.

Pon

Means to skip school, class, or work. Usually done without permission, similar to playing hooky.
Example: “He pon class to go play games.”
It is most commonly used among students, but adults sometimes use it jokingly too.

Relationships & Community

Ah Beng

Refers to a stereotypical loud, brash young man, often associated with flashy clothes, dyed hair, and rough behavior.
Example: “That Ah Beng downstairs keeps revving his motorbike at midnight.”
It is usually used to poke fun at rowdy youth but is well-recognized in local culture.

Ah Lian

The female counterpart of an Ah Beng. She is often described as flashy, dramatic, and outspoken.
Example: “Those girls shouting in the mall are all Ah Lians.”
Like Ah Beng, it is a stereotype but used frequently in casual conversations.

Ang Moh

Refers to Caucasians or Western foreigners. The term literally means “red hair” in Hokkien, originally describing Europeans.
Example: “The new teacher in school is an ang moh.”
It is commonly used but not usually offensive unless said with a negative tone.

Uncle / Auntie

A respectful way to address older men and women, even if they are not related to you.
Example: “Uncle, one plate of chicken rice please.”
This shows politeness and is part of Singapore’s community culture.

Bro / Sis

Casual terms for addressing friends or even strangers, similar to “buddy” or “mate.”
Example: “Eh bro, can help me carry this?”
It creates a friendly and informal bond, especially among younger people.

Transport & Shopping

Interior of a Singapore MRT train showing the doors, seats, and Marine Terrace station sign

ERP

Refers to Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing system, where cars are charged when passing certain roads. Locals often joke about it because it feels like a “money-eating” machine.
Example: “Aiyo, kena ERP again, my wallet cry.”
It is commonly mentioned when talking about driving expenses.

Chope Carpark

Means to reserve a parking space. Just like reserving seats at a hawker centre, people sometimes “chope” carpark spots by standing there or placing objects.
Example: “He stood in the lot to chope carpark space for his friend.”
It is a playful but sometimes controversial habit.

Buy 1 Free 1

The Singlish way of saying “Buy One Get One Free,” especially in promotions.
Example: “This bubble tea shop got buy 1 free 1 today.”
Shoppers love spotting this phrase during sales.

Confirm Plus Chop

Means definitely or guaranteed. The “chop” refers to a rubber stamp, making the confirmation even stronger.
Example: “He will come to the party, confirm plus chop.”
It is often used to show absolute certainty.

Same Same But Different

Means similar but not exactly the same. It is commonly used when comparing two things that look alike but have differences.
Example: “This kopi is same same but different from Western coffee.”
It reflects how Singaporeans often mix humor with casual explanations.

Fun & Random

Walao

An exclamation that shows shock, disbelief, or frustration. It can sound dramatic depending on how it is said.
Example: “Walao, the queue so long ah?”
It is very common in everyday speech, especially among younger Singaporeans.

Goondu

Means fool or silly person. It is used when someone makes a silly mistake or does something clumsy.
Example: “You typed the wrong password again, goondu.”
Usually said in a teasing way rather than to insult.

Huat Ah!

A cheer or shout of joy used to wish prosperity and good fortune. It is especially popular during Chinese New Year.
Example: “When tossing yusheng, everyone shouts huat ah!”
The louder it is shouted, the more fortune it is believed to bring.

Play Cheat

Means to cheat in a game or bend the rules unfairly.
Example: “Don’t play cheat during cards, follow the rules.”
Often used among children or in casual games between friends.

Die Die Must Try

Refers to something so good or essential that you absolutely have to try it at least once.
Example: “The chili crab at this restaurant is die die must try.”
It is often used in food reviews and recommendations.