* Singlish is a largely spoken creole, and as such descriptivism (recording forms that reflect actual pronunciation in spoken language, or as appearing in the linguistic corpus) is more pertinent than strict prescriptivism. Nevertheless, the use of more standard forms (or for words originating in languages with Latin script, such as Malay, accurate to the original spelling) is recommended and encouraged.
also can:
angmoh angmo ang mo ang mor angmor
ang moh
→
Hokkien:
红毛
紅毛
poj:
âng-mô͘
definitions
noun
- a Caucasian person; white person; person of Western descent
"Ang moh" is still used today with an implicit sense of the cultural power ang mohs wield in postcolonial Singapore, whether we admit it anot.
— 2017, Gwee Li Sui. “England”, Spiaking Singlish: A Companion to how Singaporeans Communicate, Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions. p.67-68
synonyms:
adjective
- Caucasian; of Western descent, or having associated traits.
How Ang Mo Kio really got its name ... In olden Singapore, it was common to name some districts after nearby landmarks such as rivers (kang in Hokkien) or bridges (kio).. And so, there was, and is, Ang Moh (Caucasian) Kio. In those days, anything “modern” was considered ang moh, such as a brick-and-tile house, as opposed to an attap-and-wood dwelling. Thus, Ang Mo Kio probably referred to a nearly iron – hence, modern – bridge built to replace an old wooden one.
— 2006 March 17, Chew Poh Loh. Today (from Todayonline.com).
usage notes
The term is a completely neutral synonym for Caucasian, westerner, or white person, but some may consider it mildly derogatory.