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:
senangdiri
senang diri
→
Malay:
senang
+
diri
Detailed etymology
definitions
noun
- (military) a relaxed standing position with hands clasped behind one’s back and feet shoulder-width apart; at ease
verb
- (military command, imperative) to enter into senang diri position; 'at ease'
- (military) to enter into senang diri position
- (military) to stand in senang diri; to stand at ease
I ask y'all senang diri or rehatkan diri? Ah adjust some more! Kan ni na, chao recruits, whole lot knock it down!
adjective
- (military) standing in senang diri; at ease
Wah Jasprit so siao on, wait for the bus also senang diri.
usage notes
While originally a military command, it and other common command words such as sedia are universally understood by Singaporeans due to their daily use in e.g. schools.
When used as a command, the second-last syllable is stressed and held for a longer time.