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:
bobian bo bian bopian bo pien boh bian boh pian boh pien
bo pian
简
繁
→
Hokkien:
无变
無變
poj:
bô-piàn
Detailed etymology
definitions
expression
- it cannot be helped; there is nothing that can be done; there is no choice
In Singapore, there is no choice being one of the world’s twenty smallest countries. Boh pien ah.
— 2006, Stuart Lloyd. "Gone Troppo: Hot Babes, Warm Weather, Cold Beer. Paradise!", Monsoon Books. p.13
synonyms:
adjective
- unable to be helped; having nothing that can be done; having no choice
synonyms:
particles
lor
effect:
resignation
—
there is truly no choice, so one must be resigned to it being done or happening some way
Haiz, really cannot? Bo pian lor...
— Community contribution
meh
effect:
questioning; probing for alternatives
—
is there really no choice?
So bo bian meh? Try again lah.
— Community contribution