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:
kapuk kapok
kapo
→
Malay:
kapuk
Detailed etymology
definitions
noun
- to steal; to take without asking permission
When in doubt, appropriate. Singaporeans have adopted English words and turned them into something else so don’t be afraid to kapo (steal) them and change what they mean.
— 2017 November 14. Changi Airport - Now Boarding, "Singlish 101: How to sound like a local". https://nowboarding.changiairport.com/explore-singapore/singlish-101-how-to-sound-like-a-local.html