* 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:
bibi
bibik
→
Baba malay:
bibik
definitions
noun
- an older (especially Peranakan) woman
- respectful or endearing term of address or honorific for an older (especially Peranakan) woman; Madam; Lady
- term of address for a domestic helper or housekeeper
"They were quite verbal, not like our audiences today where everybody is still. The bibiks, especially, were very loud and not shy when they talked." Bibiks are Peranakan women of a certain age, who are known to be feisty and loud.
— 2019, Suk-wai Cheong (quoting Richard Tan). The Sound Of Memories: Recordings From The Oral History Centre, Singapore. World Scientific Publishing Company. ISBN: 9789811208034. p.60
One such helper was Bibik Bakul, a lady from whom many Babas sought help whenever there was a Kerja Hari Besar (important occassions) such as a wedding, birthday, or funeral.
— 2019, Charles K. K. Chua. Baba Nyonya Heritage: Peranakan Weddings from a Malaccan Perspective. Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia Berhad. ISBN: 9789674608217. p.122