Manglish, defined by Malaysians

Look up the slang we really speak, vote on the best meaning and share je lah.

Add a wordSurprise me
Word of the day, Tuesday, 10 November

aiyah

Said in mild annoyance or resignation, like 'oh come on' or 'never mind lah'. Also spelt aiya.

“Aiyah, small matter only.”

Make a meme card
Hokkien, Cantonese
See all words
  1. tunggu kejapMalay for 'wait a moment'. Often shortened to kejap or jap.Malay
    +1
  2. tak bolehMalay for cannot. 'Tak boleh tahan' means can't stand it.Malay
    +1
  3. BaraiSomething that is broken, ruined, exhausted, or worn out.Malay
    +1
  4. jomMalay for 'let's go!', the universal invite. Also spelt jum.Malay
    +1
  5. SelambaGenerally means acting cool, unbothered, nonchalant, or poker-faced. (also spelled selamber)Malay
    +1
  6. lahThe king of Manglish particles. Tacked onto the end of a sentence to soften it, stress it, or just make it sound Malaysian. Also spelt la, …Malay, Hokkien
    +0
  7. lorShows resignation or that something is obvious, like 'well, that's how it is'. Also spelt loh.Cantonese, Hokkien
    +0
  8. lehAdds a soft, slightly pleading or tentative tone, or gently pushes back on something.Hokkien, Cantonese
    +0
  9. mehTurns a sentence into a doubtful or surprised question, like 'really?' or 'is that so?'.Cantonese
    +0
  10. mahMeans 'it's obvious lah' and is used when giving a reason that should have been clear. Also spelt ma.Cantonese, Hokkien
    +0

Where our slang comes from

01Malay02Hokkien03Cantonese04Tamil05English06Rojak (mixed)

Speak like a local, one sentence at a time

Fresh from the kopitiam

Add yours
  1. nonongmenonong or ternonong-nonong means to walk straight ahead quickly without looking left or right, or to do something without paying attentio…Malay
    +0
  2. tungkikIn parts of Malaysia (especially in Johor), tungkik is used as a slang term or adjective to describe a sharp, highly unpleasant, and pungen…Malay
    +0
  3. syahduIn modern slang, people use syahdu to describe a vibe (mood or atmosphere) that feels: Cozy, peaceful, slow-pace, nostalgic, or softly emot…Malay
    +0
  4. wakluIt is used casually among peers—to dismiss someone's claim, express disbelief, or talk back playfully/rudely (similar to saying "Yeah, righ…Malay
    +0
  5. Turun PadangIn Malaysian slang and casual conversation, "turun padang" means "to pull up" "show up" or "get hands-on".Malay
    +0
  6. pisangPisang literally means "banana," but colloquially it is used to describe feeling extremely bored, mentally exhausted, or having nothing to …Malay
    +0
  7. MenyalaLiterally means "blazing" or "on fire". Meaning "you're shining," "you're glowing," or used as high praise/encouragement for someone lookin…Malay
    +0
  8. kecekKecek is a Malay word that primarily means to speak, talk, or chat, most famously used as a core verb in the Kelantanese dialect.Malay
    +0