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:
xiao liao siau liau siaoliao
siao liao
→
Hokkien:
痟
poj:
siáu
+
了
poj:
liáu
Detailed etymology
definitions
interjection
- 'oh no'; 'alas'; expression of despair, distress, or resignation after e.g. something crazy or disastrous has happened, something has been messed up beyond repair, etc.
I thought: "Siao liao. How do we do this, everything is closed."
— 2020, Salt & Light (quoting Goh Wei Leong). Salt & Light: Inspirational stories of faith at work. Marshall Cavendish International Asia Pte Ltd. ISBN: 9789814928465
"Siao liao. I-I'm not really sure about the remote control. Pushing the top button might really activate that blade and make it fall on your friend," Charlie splutters, utterly flummoxed.
— 2018, Ning Cai. Misdirection: Book One of The Savant Trilogy. Epigram Books. ISBN: 9789814785099