23 October 2011

The Incomplete Manglish Dictionary

I was happily strolling along the other day, when I suddenly realized that I could not even remember the last time I used the suffix "-lah." But that was not all! It's been ages since I've exclaimed, "Aiyoh!" Furthermore, no one has commented on my "unusual accent" in recent months. I decided that it's time for me to get back to work and put a little Manglish flavor in my speech. I looked up a short list of some common terms and phrases that are a part of Manglish that I made a couple years ago, and I thought I'd share them with you. If you have any Manglish terms or phrases that you think should be added, feel free to comment!

Aiyoh, interj. Oh man!

Also can—This phrase is used to communicate the belief that a certain course of action is feasible.

Auntie, Term of respect for an older woman, substitutes for Ma’am.

Borrow, v. This word has two meanings. It can mean “to borrow” or “to lend,” depending on the context. Examples where the word “borrow” means “lend”: I borrowed her my car. OR Can you borrow me a pen?

Kampung, n. village

Kayu, derogatory term for a person, meaning that that particular individual is clumsy or is not doing a good job

-lah, interj. A multipurpose suffix. Attach to the end of nearly every word in a sentence to add spice to your speech. Whateverlah, I’m happy to eat anywhere you want to golah.

Let’s go makan-makan—An invitation to dinner.

PPK, v., This is a short version of pang pui ki, which literally means to “take an airplane”. However this phrase is used as an idiom, as in: This time you better not ppk me or I’m not going to make plans with you anymore! = This time, please do not forget about our plans and decide to ditch me or I’m not going to make plans with you anymore.

Rosak, adj., Spoiled, broken, unusable. Multipurpose word that means that an item is not usable. The fruit you bought from market is rosak already. The refrigerator is rosak.

Second Breakfast, n., Meal eaten at about 10 in the morning, or else immediately after First Breakfast

Supper, n., Meal eaten after 10 at night

Tissue, n., Paper napkin used at the dinner table

Uncle, Term of respect for an older man, substitutes for sir.

Where got?—This phrase is most often used when you want to question the factualness of a statement, as in: The grocery store doesn’t open till 11 in the morning? Where got?

Why you do like that one?—This question is a colloquialism for: Why did you behave in such a disappointing, annoying, or inconvenient manner?
Anonymous said...

I'll do spanglish.

Unknown said...
