redirected from
tan ah kau
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:
tan ah kau tan ah kow
Tan Ah Kao
简
繁
→
Hokkien:
陈阿九
陳阿九
poj:
tân a-káu
Detailed etymology
definitions
noun
- a stereotypically common Hokkien name, used as a substitute for an anonymous Hokkien or other Singaporean Chinese person; a John Doe; a Tom, Dick, or Harry
We can't just hire any Tan Ah Kow; we need someone who actually has the technical know-how.
usage notes
Sometimes used in a derogatory manner, to refer to an anonymous low-class or uneducated Chinese person.