Essential Singlish Words & Phrases for Ang Mohs

Planning an adventure to Singapore? You better brush up on your Singlish , lah!

Derived from the interactions between an array of ethnic groups, this hybrid language is expressive and delightful. In the beginning, it can be tough to understand but as you grow accustomed to it, you’ll find yourself using Singlish words and phrases in no time.

‘LAH’

Lah is perhaps one of the easiest Singlish words to learn and apply! It usually follows a statement similar to how the Australians use the word, Mate and the South Africans use the word, Hey?. i.e) It’s cold today hey? It doesn’t have an exact meaning but it’s used to emphasise a statement.

I.e) She didn’t even bring her umbrella, lah!

‘CAN’

Can is simply a more effective way of saying “Yes we can” or “Sure we can”. It’s a Singlish word that’s brief and really gets to the point.

i.e) Me: Should we have some Laksa for dinner tonight? Husband: Can!

‘CANNOT’

Cannot is another snappy way of saying “Can’t you?” or “No we can’t”.

i.e) Me: Can we park here? Guard: Cannot!

‘DIE DIE MUST TRY’

When you’ve stumbled onto something amazing and you really want to share it with someone, then you’ll say “Die Die Must Try!”

i.e) I went to the best noodle house in Joe-Chiat, Die Die Must Try!

‘ANG MOH’

This term refers to Caucasians of Western decent and is also used to refer to Western expats living in Singapore. It’s one of those Singlish words with a long history and there are many roads in Singapore with the word ‘Ang Moh’ in it.

i.e) The Ang Mos in East Coast love to sunbathe on the weekends

‘SHIOK’

If something is great or fantastic then it’s “So Shiok!”. This is one of the Singlish words you’ll hear quite often.

i.e) Me: This film is so Shiok, lah!

‘KIASU’

This is one of my favourite Singlish words! ‘Kiasu’ literally means the fear of missing out. It’s usually used to describe someone who has become very selfish due to their competitiveness or urge to get ahead. It can also refer to being scared to lose.

i.e) Why are you being so Kiasu?

‘CHOPE’

To ‘Chope’ is to reserve your spot. You can Chope with a packet of tissues, an umbrella or even your jacket. When you’re visiting a Hawker Centre, it’s essential to Chope!

i.e) Me: I’ll go get the noodles while you Chope a table.

‘TAPOA’

‘Tapoa’ refers to a takeaway. So if you’re taking food or a drink home with you then you are going to ‘Tapoa’ your lunch.

i.e) I’ll see you later, I’m going to Tapoa dinner from McDonald’s tonight.

There you have it, some essential Singlish words and phrases to get you started! Of course there are many more words, but these will definitely help you blend in, lah! Feeling up to the task? Check out this blog for 40 essential Singlish words. Now that you’re familiar with the essential Singlish words, check out some of my articles about life in Singapore.