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.

also can:

ham

hum

Min nan / cantonese:

poj:

ham

expand for details Detailed etymology

definitions

noun

  1. Tegillarca granosa, also known as the blood cockle or simply cockle, a species of edible marine clam with red flesh that is a common ingredient in Singaporean cuisine
  2. Tuck into char hum (fried half-shell cockles with garlic, chilli and ground peanuts) ...

    — 2007 July 21. Today, "A TASTE OF PENANG". p.38

    synonyms:

  3. an ark clam, any marine bivalve mollusc in general in the family Arcidae
  4. synonyms:

  5. (pun) cockles in other contexts, especially the cockles of the heart
  6. Whatever it is, the number of SIngaporeans who signed up eagerly for the event and who were on the waiting list will always warm the patriotic hum (cockles) of my heart.

    — 2013, Goz Lee. Plusixfive: A Singaporean Supper Club Cookbook. Epigram Books. ISBN: 9789810759070. p.304


usage notes

Does not normally appear in mee siam.