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:
gao kao
kau 1
→
Min nan:
厚
poj:
kāu
Detailed etymology
definitions
adjective
- (drink ordering) stronger or thicker
- thick
Those who love their coffee strong would find this up to their palate. My first impression of the kopi gao (S$0.90), however, is that it appeared darker and tasted stronger than what I would expect of Hainan coffee ... It also did not go down as smoothly as the rest, leaving a slightly bitter aftertaste.
— 2016 June 11, Rachel Kwek. Today, "Five kopi joints where you can get your morning cuppa". p.23
antonyms:
antonyms:
categories:
kau 2
→
Min nan:
狗
poj:
káu
Detailed etymology
definitions
noun
- dog
- (derogatory) someone or something detestable, dirty, unpleasant, miserable, submissive and obedient, etc.
categories:
kau 3
→
Malay:
kau
Detailed etymology
definitions
pronoun
- (informal, familiar, singular) you; your