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.

also can:

skali scully skully skarli scarli skarly scarly

sekali

→

Malay:

sekali

expand for details Detailed etymology

definitions

adverb

  1. suddenly; unexpectedly

    2. I wanted to go jalan-jalan, but sekali it started to rain.

  2. (of an undesirable, unpleasant, or problematic outcome) supposing; lest; what if

    3. Don't always buy the cheapest and dodgiest electronics online just to save a few dollars; sekali you halfway use explode then you know.


usage notes

Has diverged from the original Malay meaning.


related:

later then you know wait later one come, all come no come no come one come all come don't come don't come one come all come