It would be helpful for you to know these 10 commonly used Singaporean slang words before visiting or starting work in Singapore. They’ll help you feel more connected with the local community and keep you from feeling lost in conversations!

1. Kiasu

Teacher Shamus: “I like ‘kiasu’ because it perfectly describes someone who is afraid to lose out or miss opportunities—it’s a big part of Singaporean life.”
Example: He brought five pens to the exam—so kiasu!

 

2. Lah

Teacher Sam: “I chose ‘lah’ because it adds friendliness or emphasis to any sentence. It doesn’t have a direct meaning but makes you sound truly local.”
Example: Don’t worry lah, we’ll get there on time.

 

3. Chope

Teacher Shanice: “I love this idiom because ‘chope’ means to reserve something—especially a seat—with an item like tissue paper. It’s so unique to Singapore!”
Example: I choped the table with my water bottle before ordering food.

 

4. Catch no ball

Teacher Linda: “This is my favourite because it means ‘I don’t understand,’ and it’s a fun, informal way for students to express confusion.”
Example: The math problem was too hard—I catch no ball.

 

5. Blur like sotong

Teacher Sharon: “This idiom is both funny and relatable—it means someone is very confused or forgetful, like a squid (‘sotong’).”
Example: He forgot his wallet again—blur like sotong!

 

6. Bo jio

Teacher Laurent: “I like ‘bo jio’ because it means ‘you didn’t invite me!’ It’s commonly used among friends in a joking way.”
Example: You went to Marina Bay Sands without me? Bo jio!

 

7. Die die must try

Teacher Clarin: “This idiom is great for food lovers! It means something is so good, you absolutely must try it, no matter what.”
Example: That laksa stall is famous—die die must try!

 

8. Don’t play play

Teacher Rebecca: “I enjoy this one because it means ‘don’t take this lightly’ or ‘be serious.’ It’s used to show respect or warn someone.”
Example: He’s our top student—don’t play play!

 

9. Talk cock

Teacher David: “This idiom is informal and means to talk nonsense or joke around. It’s commonly used among friends.”
Example: We spent the whole afternoon just talking cock.

 

10. Act blur

Teacher Shamus: “This one’s great because it means someone is pretending not to know what’s going on—acting clueless on purpose.”
Example: Don’t act blur—you know it’s your turn to do the dishes.