“Alamak” – an expression of shock or dismay – is the most commonly used Singlish word here, an inaugural study of slang used in Singapore has found. “Makan”, which means to eat, and the common fillers “lah”, “lor”, “meh” and “leh”, typically used...
“Alamak” – an expression of shock or dismay – is the most commonly used Singlish word here, an inaugural study of slang used in Singapore has found.
The study, conducted between January and February 2024, aims to highlight trends and challenges people face in learning new languages and the views of native speakers regarding the use of slang, Preply told The Straits Times. The same term was humorously used by pop star Taylor Swift’s dancer Kameron Saunders on stage to rapturous applause from the crowd during her fourth concert night at the National Stadium on March 7, as part of a running gag to incorporate Singlish phrases like “walao eh” into the performance.
Almost 65 per cent of respondents did not know how to use “slay” in a sentence, despite it being the most understood Gen Z word according to the study.The term “sus” grew in prominence because of the multiplayer online game Among Us, where team players have to vote out a suspected imposter as they complete challenges.Close to 80 per cent of respondents did not understand the terms “cap” – slang for lying – and “simp”, when someone overcompensates for a person they fancy.
Attitudes towards Singlish have evolved over the years, from initial concerns about English standards here to growing endorsement.
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