Singaporean English Quiz

Name:

Date:

Instructions: Test your knowledge of Singlish - Singapore's colorful English-based creole!

1.
In Singlish, what does 'lah' do when added to the end of a sentence?
A
Indicates past tense
B
Makes it a question
C
Adds emphasis or assertiveness
D
Makes it formal
2.
What does 'kiasu' mean in Singaporean English?
A
Afraid of losing out or missing out
B
Fashionable
C
Sleepy
D
Generous
3.
In Singlish, what does 'shiok' mean?
A
Shocking
B
Extremely pleasurable or satisfying
C
Scary
D
Expensive
4.
What does 'can' mean when used alone as a complete sentence in Singlish?
A
A tin container
B
Maybe
C
Yes, it's possible / Okay
D
I can't
5.
In Singapore, what is a 'hawker centre'?
A
A shopping mall
B
A bird-watching station
C
An open-air food court with many stalls
D
A sports arena
6.
What does 'blur' mean in Singlish?
A
Confused or clueless
B
Visually unclear
C
Fast-moving
D
Angry
7.
In Singlish, what does 'chope' mean?
A
To complain
B
To reserve a seat (often with a tissue packet)
C
To leave quickly
D
To chop food
8.
What does 'makan' mean in Singaporean English?
A
Making something
B
Money
C
A market
D
To eat or food
9.
In Singlish, what does 'paiseh' mean?
A
Embarrassed or shy
B
Patient
C
Proud
D
Angry
10.
What does 'bo jio' mean in Singaporean slang?
A
Good morning
B
No money
C
You didn't invite me!
D
Very boring
11.
In Singlish, what does 'sian' express?
A
Boredom or weariness
B
Hunger
C
Excitement
D
Joy
12.
What does 'ang moh' literally translate to in Singlish?
A
Small child
B
Old friend
C
Red hair (used to refer to Westerners)
D
Big boss
13.
In Singapore, what does 'lepak' mean?
A
To shop
B
To study hard
C
To exercise
D
To relax or hang out
14.
What does 'kancheong' mean in Singlish?
A
Anxious or nervous
B
Hungry
C
Calm
D
Happy
15.
In Singlish, what does 'alamak' express?
A
Farewell
B
Agreement
C
Oh my! / Oh dear! (surprise or dismay)
D
Gratitude

Answer Key

Question 1

C. Adds emphasis or assertiveness

Question 2

A. Afraid of losing out or missing out

Question 3

B. Extremely pleasurable or satisfying

Question 4

C. Yes, it's possible / Okay

Question 5

C. An open-air food court with many stalls

Question 6

A. Confused or clueless

Question 7

B. To reserve a seat (often with a tissue packet)

Question 8

D. To eat or food

Question 9

A. Embarrassed or shy

Question 10

C. You didn't invite me!

Question 11

A. Boredom or weariness

Question 12

C. Red hair (used to refer to Westerners)

Question 13

D. To relax or hang out

Question 14

A. Anxious or nervous

Question 15

C. Oh my! / Oh dear! (surprise or dismay)

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