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:
chup
chope
/t͡ʃəʊp/
→
Malay:
cup / chup
Detailed etymology
definitions
verb
- to reserve; to 'call dibs' on, especially a table or seat. It is usually customary accompany this by leaving a small personal object behind as a marker of reservation, such as a packet of tissue paper.
Can help me chope my space, I go toilet quickly.
interjection
- exclamation made to announce that one is making a reservation of something, especially a table or seat.
- 'hold up'; 'hold on a minute'; exclamation made to call for a pause or halt, or otherwise draw attention to something
Chope! Sorry, first come first serve!
Chope! Why are we packing this up? We still need it for later.
usage notes
The Malay interjection is usually accompanied by the action of holding up one hand with all five fingertips touching each other. The Singlish use (in the sense of 'hold up; hold on a minute') does not have any such prescribed action.
When reserving e.g. a table or seat, however, it is customary to leave a small personal object behind as a marker of reservation.