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:
bat gua pat kua but gwa pak kua bat kua bat kwa pat kwa bagua ba gua
bat gwa
→
Cantonese:
八卦
jyutping:
baat3 gwaa3
Detailed etymology
definitions
adjective
- gossipy; nosy
She is Auntie by virtue of her "pak kua" (nosy) questions and a weakness for gossip.
— 1999 February 14. The Straits Times, "THE GLAM AUNTIE". p.8
synonyms:
verb
- to gossip; to spread rumours; to poke one's nose in others' business
noun
- rumours; gossip; scandalous news