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:
pekchek pek chhek
pek chek
→
Min nan:
迫促
poj:
pek-chhek
Detailed etymology
definitions
adjective
- annoyed; frustrated; stressed; fed up; exasperated
- annoying; frustrating; stressful; upsetting; exasperating
It's better to go out and let strangers teach you. Otherwise, your children will as you, 'Like that also don't know?' and it will make you feel pek chek (exasperated).
— 2010 May 24, Chan Seet Fun (quoting Irene Han). The Straits Times, "Taking the plunge with IT". p.50
If I don't like something, I tell people off. I don't like to hide, it's so enclosed and pek chek (frustrating).
— 1997 December 7 (quoting Phyllis Tan). The Straits Times, "Ah Lian ... and proud of it". p.7