singlish: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Academic (when discussed as a linguistic subject)
Quick answer
What does “singlish” mean?
The colloquial, informal variety of English spoken in Singapore, characterized by a distinct blend of English with vocabulary, syntax, and intonation from local languages like Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Tamil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The colloquial, informal variety of English spoken in Singapore, characterized by a distinct blend of English with vocabulary, syntax, and intonation from local languages like Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Tamil.
It can also refer to the study or phenomenon of this linguistic variety, or be used as a descriptor for cultural elements or attitudes associated with Singaporean English-speaking society.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word 'Singlish' is used identically in both UK and US English to refer specifically to the Singaporean variety. There is no equivalent phenomenon in either region.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is a neutral linguistic term. However, a British or American speaker unfamiliar with Singapore might use it with vague or stereotypical connotations about Asian Englishes.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse in both regions, appearing primarily in linguistic, travel, or cultural contexts related to Southeast Asia.
Grammar
How to Use “singlish” in a Sentence
Singlish is + adjective (e.g., fascinating, complex)to speak/use Singlisha word/expression in SinglishVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “singlish” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tourist tried to Singlish his requests to sound more local.
- They often Singlish when they're with their old school friends.
American English
- After living there for a year, he started to Singlish without realizing it.
- Don't Singlish during the client presentation; use formal English.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Generally avoided in formal business communication in Singapore; understanding it may be useful for informal rapport with local colleagues.
Academic
A common subject of study in sociolinguistics, World Englishes, and language contact research.
Everyday
Used by Singaporeans in informal settings with friends and family. Outsiders may refer to it when describing their experience in Singapore.
Technical
A technical term in linguistics for a specific contact variety of English.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “singlish”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “singlish”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “singlish”
- Using 'Singlish' to mean 'English' in general.
- Misspelling as 'Singglish' or 'Singaporelish'.
- Assuming it is just 'broken English' rather than a systematic, rule-governed variety.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Singlish is a distinct variety of English unique to Singapore. It has its own vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation influenced by other local languages.
Generally, no. Standard Singapore English is expected in formal education, government, and business settings. Singlish is reserved for informal contexts.
It's a ubiquitous pragmatic particle with no direct English equivalent. It can soften a command, show familiarity, express resignation, or emphasize a statement, depending on context and intonation.
Some see it as a vital part of local identity and culture. Others, including government campaigns, have viewed it as 'bad English' that could hinder international communication and economic competitiveness.
The colloquial, informal variety of English spoken in Singapore, characterized by a distinct blend of English with vocabulary, syntax, and intonation from local languages like Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Tamil.
Singlish: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋɡlɪʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋɡlɪʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SINGapore EngLISH blended into one word.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A HYBRID/MELTING POT (a blend of different linguistic ingredients).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of Singlish?