Manglish, defined by Malaysians

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

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Word of the day, Monday, 16 November

poyo

Lame, pretentious, or trying way too hard.

“Poyo lah you, speak with fake accent.”

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Malay
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  1. tak bolehMalay for cannot. 'Tak boleh tahan' means can't stand it.Malay
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  2. jomMalay for 'let's go!', the universal invite. Also spelt jum.Malay
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  3. tunggu kejapMalay for 'wait a moment'. Often shortened to kejap or jap.Malay
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  4. SelambaGenerally means acting cool, unbothered, nonchalant, or poker-faced. (also spelled selamber)Malay
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  5. BaraiSomething that is broken, ruined, exhausted, or worn out.Malay
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  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
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  7. lorShows resignation or that something is obvious, like 'well, that's how it is'. Also spelt loh.Cantonese, Hokkien
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  8. lehAdds a soft, slightly pleading or tentative tone, or gently pushes back on something.Hokkien, Cantonese
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  9. mehTurns a sentence into a doubtful or surprised question, like 'really?' or 'is that so?'.Cantonese
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  10. mahMeans 'it's obvious lah' and is used when giving a reason that should have been clear. Also spelt ma.Cantonese, Hokkien
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Where our slang comes from

01Malay02Hokkien03Cantonese04Tamil05English06Rojak (mixed)

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  1. nonongmenonong or ternonong-nonong means to walk straight ahead quickly without looking left or right, or to do something without paying attentio…Malay
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  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
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  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
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  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
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  5. Turun PadangIn Malaysian slang and casual conversation, "turun padang" means "to pull up" "show up" or "get hands-on".Malay
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  6. pisangPisang literally means "banana," but colloquially it is used to describe feeling extremely bored, mentally exhausted, or having nothing to …Malay
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  7. MenyalaLiterally means "blazing" or "on fire". Meaning "you're shining," "you're glowing," or used as high praise/encouragement for someone lookin…Malay
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  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
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