If you’re visiting Singapore (or just hanging out with locals online), you’ll quickly notice that Singaporeans don’t just speak English. We speak Singlish — a colourful, expressive mix of English, Malay, Hokkien, Mandarin, Tamil, and more.
But here’s the catch: newer generations are also blending Gen Z/Gen Alpha slang into everyday conversations. The result? A whole new hybrid language that’s uniquely Singaporean.
Here’s your crash course.
The Core Singlish Words Everyone Must Know
These are the words you’ll hear everywhere, from hawker centres to Grab rides.
Lah – Iconic. Adds emphasis. “Don’t worry lah, can one.”
Leh – Softens disagreement. “Not so expensive leh.”
Lor – Shows resignation or casual agreement. “Like that lor.”
Liao – Means “already”. “I makan liao.”
Shiok – Something super satisfying. “This laksa shiok sia!”
Chope – To reserve a spot (often with tissue packets).
Kiasu – Fear of losing out, overly competitive.
Paiseh – Embarrassed, shy.
Blur like sotong – Clueless or forgetful.
Catch no ball – Can’t understand.
Gen Z / Gen Alpha Meets Singlish
Now here’s where it gets interesting. Younger Singaporeans sprinkle in global internet slang — but still with a local twist.
Flex lah – Show off. “Wah, he flex lah with that new iPhone.”
No cap sia – Honestly / for real. “This nasi lemak, best in SG no cap sia.”
Slay lor – Someone looking or doing great. “Her outfit today? Slay lor.”
Vibe check leh – Asking if the mood fits. “Go Sentosa this weekend? Vibe check leh.”
Main character energy lah – Someone being extra or attention-grabbing.
Low-key shiok – Surprisingly nice.
FOMO jialat – Fear of missing out, but very serious.
Beta test liao – Trying something new before it’s mainstream.
Touch grass can? – Telling someone to calm down / stop overthinking.
Ghost liao – Someone disappearing from chat groups.
Bonus Phrases You’ll Definitely Hear
Die die must try – A must-eat food.
Bo jio – Never invited me.
Don’t play play – Don’t underestimate.
Steady lah – Cool / well done.
Alamak – Oh no! / Oops.
Example Conversation
Friend A: “Eh, you bo jio me for bubble tea?”
Friend B: “Paiseh lah, I thought you busy liao.”
Friend A: “No cap sia, I always got time for boba. Die die must try the new brown sugar one, shiok max!”
Friend B: “Steady lah, let’s go later. Vibe check lor.”
Final Tip
Don’t stress if you can’t catch every word at first. Most Singaporeans switch between standard English and Singlish depending on who they talk to. If you drop even one word — like “lah” or “shiok” — you’ll instantly sound more local (and probably make some friends).
(Credits: Pexels)
