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:
si mi tai ji simi taiji simi taichi
si mi tai chi
简
繁
→
Hokkien:
什物
poj:
sím-mi̍h
+
Hokkien / hinghua:
代志
代誌
poj:
tāi-chì
Detailed etymology
definitions
interjection
- 'what's the matter?'; 'what's the problem?'; 'what is it?'; used to curtly ask someone to get to the point, or speak their mind
She kept coming. I kept backing ... 'Si mi tai ji?' Auntie Fong had showed up just in time. Great! Back-up!
— 2022, Julianne Cheah. The Death of Sally Song. Monsoon Books Pte. Limited. ISBN: 9781915310033
You will answer handphone calls with 'Hallo siang lai ay? Chuay wa si mi tai chi?
— 2023, Alfian Sa'at. Collected Plays Two. Ethos Books. ISBN: 9789811416682
synonyms:
usage notes
May be considered rude based on tone and context.