English is widely spoken in Singapore ... or is it? Many first-time visitors have been confounded by the colloquialisms that pepper Singaporeans' speech. This is because we speak very quickly (or so it's been said) and with a distinct Singaporean accent. Over the years, Singaporeans have developed their own brand of English fondly referred to as 'Singlish'.

With our multi-racial background, it's not surprising that 'Singlish' borrows from the many different languages spoken in Singapore. Here's a collection of 'Singlish' terms which you might find handy on your visit to Singapore.

Commonly Used Singlish

Accuse me: excuse me

Anything can: anything is possible

Ang moh: Caucasian (literally 'red headed' in Hokkien)

Auntie: a respectful way to address an older lady

Barang Barang: stuff as in bags, clutter etc

Blur: very confused

Bo eng lah!: can't commit, not available, no time to do something

Can ah: can you or can't you?

Can leh: yes, of course

Can lor: yes, I think so

Can hah?: are you sure?

Can hor: you are sure then

Can meh: are you certain?

Die die: no matter what happens

Don't play play: don't fool around

Goondu: stupid or acting stupid

Habis: finished or all used

How can: how is that possible?

Kaypoh: nosey

Kiasu: very afraid to lose out to others

Kopi: coffee

Kopi tiam: coffee shop

Lah: no translation, Lah is added for emphasis

Lose face: become very embarrassed, lose dignity

Makan: food or as a verb to 'go makan' to go to eat

No nid: no need

No stock orready: not in stock as in habis

Orready: already

Orso can: no problem

Out station: overseas or away from home

Over orready: none left or the event is finished

Rojak: an Indonesian Malaysian dish but used as a common word for mixture

Singlish: Singaporean English slang

So how?: and the answer is?, what is next

Teh tarik: tea

Tumpang: ask for a favour

Ulu: distant or far away (English equivalent to in the boonies)

Uncle: a respectful way to address an older man

Wah: wow, another emphasis term or word

Wah so cheap lah: wow, that's really cheap

Why Like That: why things happen this way

You know I know can already: usually meant to be a secret between 2 person