seram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / Non-existentN/A in English. In Malay/Indonesian contexts: informal, colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “seram” mean?
Not an English word. This is a Malay/Indonesian word meaning 'creepy', 'spooky', or causing fear/shivers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Not an English word. This is a Malay/Indonesian word meaning 'creepy', 'spooky', or causing fear/shivers.
As a Malay loanword in English contexts, it could be used to describe something eerie, unsettling, or terrifying, often in a supernatural context. It is not part of standard English vocabulary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No established usage in either variety.
Connotations
If used, would be perceived as a foreign word with connotations linked to Malay/Indonesian horror tropes.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in both varieties.
Examples
Examples of “seram” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- (In a review of a Malaysian film) The atmosphere was genuinely seram.
- (In cultural writing) They told seram stories about the forest.
American English
- (In a blog about Asian horror) That abandoned house looks so seram.
- (In a travelogue) The cave had a seram vibe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used (unless in linguistic/cultural studies of Malay).
Everyday
Not used in English everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seram”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seram”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seram”
- Assuming it is an English word.
- Trying to use it in English communication without explanation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'seram' is not an English word. It is a word from Malay and Indonesian languages.
In Malay/Indonesian, it means creepy, spooky, eerie, or causing a feeling of fear.
Only if you are specifically discussing Malay/Indonesian culture or language, and you should italicize it and provide a gloss (translation) on first use, as it is a foreign term.
'Creepy', 'spooky', 'eerie', 'chilling', and 'unnerving' are good English equivalents depending on the context.
Not an English word. This is a Malay/Indonesian word meaning 'creepy', 'spooky', or causing fear/shivers.
Seram is usually n/a in english. in malay/indonesian contexts: informal, colloquial. in register.
Seram: in British English it is pronounced Not applicable, and in American English it is pronounced Not applicable. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a scary RAM (computer part) in a SERver – that's SERAM. But remember, it's not English!
Conceptual Metaphor
FEAR IS A PHYSICAL CHILL / FEAR IS CONTAMINATION (common in descriptions of creepy things).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate statement about the word 'seram'?