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:
apa lan jiao ape lanjiao ape lan jiao apa lan chiao apa lanchiao apa lanciau
apa lanjiao
简
繁
→
Malay:
apa
+
Hokkien:
𡳞鸟
𡳞鳥
poj:
lān-chiáu
Detailed etymology
definitions
determiner
- (interrogative, vulgar) what the hell; what the shit
synonyms:
interjection
- (vulgar) 'what the hell'; used to express incredulity, shock, disbelief, surprise, annoyance etc.
The “apa lanjiaooo” guy became a meme in 2016 after arguing with an apartment complex security. He now pleads netizens to stop using the meme.
— 2021 January 6, Meanwhile in Malaysia (Facebook post). https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=736482710603965.
synonyms:
usage notes
May be combined with apa ini, for example, to form 'apa lanjiao ni' ("what the hell is this").