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:
ya ya
yaya
简
繁
→
Malay:
yang-yang
+
Old javanese:
jâjâ
+
Hokkien:
厌
厭
poj:
ià
Detailed etymology
definitions
adjective
- arrogant; conceited; stuck-up; boastful
Sometimes, when you meet people like that, the first meeting doesn’t go so well. Like, ‘Why did she make fun of me?’ But there’s just something that still attracts you to that person. Maybe because she’s just so yaya — that’s why I like her ...
— 2016 July 15, May Seah (quoting THELIONCITYBOY). Today Online, "THELIONCITYBOY on loving the "yaya papaya" girl". https://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/thelioncityboy-loving-yaya-papaya-girl
synonyms:
verb
- to show off; to boast; to act in a conceited manner
Got nothing good to show, still want to yaya. Action only.