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:
tok kok tok-kok
talk cock
简
繁
→
English:
talk
+
cock
↻
Hokkien:
讲鸟话
講鳥話
poj:
kóng chiáu ōe
Detailed etymology
definitions
verb
- to talk rubbish; to spout nonsense
- to speak idle drivel; to engage in aimless chit-chat
"Don’t talk cock," Aunt Pandora retorted. "Some fool girl’s been getting at you again."
— 1989, John le Carré. The Russia House. Knopf. ISBN: 9780394577890. p.213
synonyms:
If he can’t meet his friends, engage in a debate with them, have his regular “talk cock” sessions, how would he cope?
— 2022, Tai Ho Woon. Transition: The Story of PN Balji. Marshall Cavendish International Asia Pte Ltd. ISBN: 9789815066807
usage notes
Generally considered less directly vulgar than 'cock' itself.