Commonly found variants; note these may range from acceptable alternatives to
non-standard forms or incorrect spellings*.
* 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.
* 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:
chao recroot
chao recruit
→
Min nan:
臭
poj:
chhàu
+
English:
recruit
Detailed etymology
definitions
noun
- (military, derisive) a soldier holding the rank of recruit
- (military, derisive) term of address for a soldier holding the rank of recruit
Ironically, one group of Singaporeans who deserve the reserved seats on public transport the most are invariably the ones too reluctant or afraid to use them, for fear of being publicly shamed and derided as unsightly, disgusting, selfish, entitled, chao recruits by keyboard warriors and kay pohs who never had to serve.
- Chao recruit! What are the 8 SAF core value?
- Err... care for soldiers, safety...
- Chee bai! Try to smoke me isit? Bloody knock it down!