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:
ga li gong
ka li kong
简
繁
→
Hokkien:
共汝讲
共汝講
poj:
kā lí kóng
Detailed etymology
definitions
interjection
- used at the start of a sentence to call attention to something one is about to say; used to indicate one is about to give their opinion, give advice, explain something, share their thoughts etc.; 'look here'; 'listen here'
Eh ka li kong ah, next time better get me my tau huay chui else I hentam your kha chng.
synonyms:
verb
- to speak to you
If next time the creepy fella want try to ka li kong, just ignore and walk away briskly.
synonyms:
usage notes
The interjection is an ellipsis of a longer phrase, such as wa ka li kong, with the subject omitted but understood in context.