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:
kekiri pusing kekiri puseng
ke kiri pusing
→
Malay:
ke kiri pusing
Detailed etymology
definitions
verb
- (military command, imperative) to turn left 90 degrees on the spot; 'left turn'
- to turn left; to make a left turn
Here, commands in Malay like "Ke kiri pusing" (left turn) and "Ke kanan pusing" .(right turn) are the orders of the day. Students don't go from one class to another — they march.
— 1990 October 1, Chua Chong Jin. The New Paper, "Pupils take marching orders". p.6
usage notes
All other senses are derived from the military command.