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:
how can dis b allow how can this be allow how can dis be allowed how can this be allowed how can tis be allow how can tis b allow
how can dis be allow
→
English:
how
+
can
+
this
+
be
+
allowed
Detailed etymology
definitions
expression
- 'why is it allowed'; 'in what way is this fair'; used to complain about something that one takes umbrage at, feels is unfair, or ought to be illegal
What is most ironic is how netizens react strongest to posts or tweets they abhor most. They may be trolls or may sincerely mean their comments, but never a day passes when we don't appreciate this gift that keeps on giving. It makes us ask in turn: How can dis b allow?
— 2019 July 18, Tan Thiam Peng. AsiaOne, "How can dis b allow? This week in the comments section". https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/how-can-dis-b-allow-week-comments-section
synonyms:
usage notes
Often used ironically to imitate the stereotypical Singaporean mentality of complaining about everything.