* 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 papaya ya-ya papaya
yaya papaya
definitions
adjective
- arrogant; conceited; show-offy; boastful
You know that feeling of being oddly attracted to that "yaya papaya" girl? The one who lives "east side on the green line" and tells you you’re late when you’re on time?
Of course you do.
— 2016 July 15, May Seah. Today Online, "THELIONCITYBOY on loving the "yaya papaya" girl". https://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/thelioncityboy-loving-yaya-papaya-girl
noun
- a show-off; someone arrogant and boastful; someone who acts in a conceited manner
You know a Singaporean is worth his or her salt when they hear, "eh that guy so stylo milo (trying too hard to be stylish)" and replies, "yeah he think he some yaya papaya (someone who thinks he or she is very important)"
— 2015 August 6, Tessa Wong (quoting Rebecca). BBC News, "The rise of Singlish". https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33809914