* 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:
kepoh kay poh
kaypoh
→
Hokkien:
家婆
poj:
ke-pô
definitions
verb
- to nose about; to be a busybody; to stick one's nose in others' business; to pry
'Aargh! You ARE going to go and kaypoh!' Let's just say that Sharm knows me a bit too well.
'Okay, okay! I'm going to kaypoh! Just ask a bit, no harm right? What's the worst that could happen?'
— 2022, Julianne Cheah. The Death of Sally Song. Monsoon Books Pte. Limited. ISBN: 9781915310033
synonyms:
noun
- a busybody; a meddlesome person; a nosy parker
There is this concept of 'kaypoh' ... And that is regarded as very, very degrading ... It is reprehensible. So I am a kaypoh, I am a very big kaypoh!
— 2012, Dayan Hava and Chan Kwok-bun (quoting Tay Kheng Soon). Charismatic Leadership in Singapore: Three Extraordinary People. Springer New York. ISBN: 9781461414513. p.182
synonyms:
adjective
- nosy; meddlesome
Sometimes, while he is walking around, he will just be very kaypoh... So I said: "Ai yah, you are the most kaypoh." ... I always say that he is kaypoh, but actually he has given a lot in his own way.
— 2024, Kok Hoe Ng (quoting Ling). They Told Us To Move: Dakota—Cassia. Ethos Books. ISBN: 9789819404698