Chimbridge Singlish Dictionary

definitions

particle

1. used at the end of a sentence as a question or interrogative marker; tag asking for clarification

This is free? I take two also can?
→ This is free ah? I take two also can ah?

synonyms:

meh isit
2. used to emphasize a question sentence

Why you so liddat?
→ Why you so liddat ah?

3. used to impart a didactic or chiding tone (such as at the end of an imperative clause); may carry a tone of caution.

Don't play play.
→ Don't play play ah...

synonyms:

hor I tell you wa ka li kong
4. used to express that the speaker is awaiting confirmation or acknowledgement of the sentence

Ah boy, study hard, don't come home too late.
→ Ah boy, study hard, don't come home too late, ah?

synonyms:

hor
5. a filler word used to mark the point between the sentence topic and the rest of the sentence, sometimes replacing a conjunction; emphasizes and calls attention or heed to the sentence topic before continuing

The rain last night was so noisy I couldn't sleep.
→ The rain last night ah, so noisy I couldn't sleep.

synonyms:

hor orh
6. used to soften tone, e.g. of a request

Girl, can help me with my phone?
→ Girl ah, can help me with my phone?

7. expressing continuousness; inexhaustive listing; enumeration

The new hire cannot shut up, I tell you. Talking, asking, laughing; really pek chek man.
→ The new hire cannot shut up, I tell you. Talk ah, ask ah, laugh ah; really pek chek man.

synonyms:

lah

interjection

1. used to rudely call attention to a present issue; indicate realization of a topic previously discussed to be occurring in the future

Ah! Ah there? You see? Orbi good...

synonyms:

eh
2. (repeated) used to point out consequences of another's actions or logical conclusions that have just occurred, or are imminently about to be realized, especially when said person stubbornly refused to listen to or believe the speaker; 'I told you so'; 'well if it isn't the consequences of your actions'

Ah, ah, ah! Now then you know! I tell you oredi how many times?

3. used to issue a challenge, or impart a challenging tone

Ah, then? My problem isit?

4. expression or exclamation of surprise

Ah! So fast dry already?

synonyms:

wah

interjection / particle

1. ok; acknowledged; used to indicate acknowledgement or approval

Ah, sounds good. We go ahead with your plan ba.

synonyms:

orh₁ ya ng mm

definitions

affix

1. honorific prefix to a kinship title

Ah Kong and Ah Chek both moved house last year.

2. prefixed to a name (usually the last syllable) or when addressing an unknown person as a diminutive, or to express familiarity and friendliness.

- Ah Yong is studying Law, at Durham.
- I know he is studying lah, what is he studying?

definitions

verb

1. to curry favour with; to get into one's good books

So if you ar with the IC... you can jiak zua a bit.

— 1978, Leong Choon Cheong (quoting Tay Poh Hock). Youth in the Army. p.53

synonyms:

angkat bola angkat carry balls carry₁ cari point phor lam pa Paul Lampard
2. to get or be friendly with; to get along well with

So if you ar with the IC... you can jiak zua a bit.

— 1978, Leong Choon Cheong (quoting Tay Poh Hock). Youth in the Army. p.53

synonyms:

kawan-kawan friend friend