Malay
Manglish, defined by Malaysians
Look up the slang we really speak, vote on the best meaning and share je lah.
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See all words- tunggu kejapMalay for 'wait a moment'. Often shortened to kejap or jap.
- tak bolehMalay for cannot. 'Tak boleh tahan' means can't stand it.
- BaraiSomething that is broken, ruined, exhausted, or worn out.
- jomMalay for 'let's go!', the universal invite. Also spelt jum.
- SelambaGenerally means acting cool, unbothered, nonchalant, or poker-faced. (also spelled selamber)
- 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, …
- lorShows resignation or that something is obvious, like 'well, that's how it is'. Also spelt loh.
- lehAdds a soft, slightly pleading or tentative tone, or gently pushes back on something.
- mehTurns a sentence into a doubtful or surprised question, like 'really?' or 'is that so?'.
- mahMeans 'it's obvious lah' and is used when giving a reason that should have been clear. Also spelt ma.
Where our slang comes from
Speak like a local, one sentence at a time
Fresh from the kopitiam
Add yours- nonongmenonong or ternonong-nonong means to walk straight ahead quickly without looking left or right, or to do something without paying attentio…
- tungkikIn parts of Malaysia (especially in Johor), tungkik is used as a slang term or adjective to describe a sharp, highly unpleasant, and pungen…
- syahduIn modern slang, people use syahdu to describe a vibe (mood or atmosphere) that feels: Cozy, peaceful, slow-pace, nostalgic, or softly emot…
- wakluIt is used casually among peers—to dismiss someone's claim, express disbelief, or talk back playfully/rudely (similar to saying "Yeah, righ…
- Turun PadangIn Malaysian slang and casual conversation, "turun padang" means "to pull up" "show up" or "get hands-on".
- pisangPisang literally means "banana," but colloquially it is used to describe feeling extremely bored, mentally exhausted, or having nothing to …
- MenyalaLiterally means "blazing" or "on fire". Meaning "you're shining," "you're glowing," or used as high praise/encouragement for someone lookin…
- kecekKecek is a Malay word that primarily means to speak, talk, or chat, most famously used as a core verb in the Kelantanese dialect.