1. Leng Lui / Leng Zai
The first Malaysian slang that is common to use in dailies is a Leng Zai or Leng Lui word. Leng Zai is derived from Cantonese which means handsome – for boys. Meanwhile, Leng Lui means beautiful – for girls. Leng Lui is commonly used by Chinese people, while Leng Cai is usually used by Malays and Indians.
Usually, these words are used to refer to strangers, such as "Hi, Leng Zai!", or "Leng Lui, over there!". The word is used to get the attention of tourists or foreigners rather than "excuse me".
2. Yum Cha
The next word you can remember is Yum Cha. Yum Cha comes from Cantonese which means drinking tea. Ethnic Chinese usually use this word to invite their relatives or family to drink tea and enjoy dim sum.
However, nowadays we usually interpret the word Yum Cha as an invitation to "hang out" or have high tea.
3. Fong Fe Kei
The other Malaysian slang you can use is Fong Fe Kei. Fong Fe Kei is usually used to withdraw from meetings or appointments that have been agreed upon at the last minute. In text messages, Fong Fe Kei is often abbreviated as FFK. However, if locals use capital letters such as, "FFK!" then they are giving angry signals.
Examples of its use are:
A: Hey bro, I’m here, when will you arrive?
B: Sorry la, I suddenly can’t go.
A: FFK la you.
4. Guai Lou / Ang Moh / Mat Salleh
Guali Lou or Ang Moh is used to describe caucasian people. The words Ang Moh and Guai Lou are commonly used by the Chinese. Meanwhile, the word Mat Salleh is used by Malays and Indians.
5. Belanja
Malaysian Slang which is often said by locals is Shopping. Shopping means treating someone to something. Usually, we use this word to treat others in the form of drinks or food. Shopping can also be used to ask someone out.
Examples of its use are:
A: Want to go out eh?
B: I can’t la, don’t have money.
A: It’s okay, I belanja you today.
6. Kitorang
Kitorang is a pronoun from the Malay language. This pronoun is used to refer to the first person, "We". Kitorang is a combination of the words "We" and "People". Although it is not found in dictionaries, you can use this word universally for everyone.
Examples of its use are:
A: Kitorang wants to go out, la. You want to come?
B: Go la.
7. Pakwe / Makwe / Awek
Pakwe or Makwe or Awek is Malay spoken to by girlfriends or spouses. Pakwe is intended for a boyfriend and Makwe is intended for a girlfriend. This word is an informal word used in casual or familiar situations. Meanwhile, Awek is intended for girlfriends or pretty girls.
Examples of its use are:
A: He is pakwe Aisyah.
B: He is handsome la.
8. Walao eh
The next slang is Walao eh. Walao eh is used to describe the feeling of surprise. You will often listen to this word because usually local residents who are emotional also say "Walao eh"
9. Chup
Chup is a word that has 2 meanings. In the first context, Chup can mean "wait", while in the second context, it means "I’ve claimed this.". However, if pronounced in high tones then Chup is intended in the second context.
Examples of its use are:
A: Chup this table for me and help me order eh?
B: Chup. I have to pick up this order first.
10. Perasan
Squeeze is a pretty easy word. The meaning of squeeze is "notice". However, in some contexts squeeze is interpreted as "Do not flatter yourself".
Examples of its use are:
A: See la. He likes me. He is still staring at me!
B: You perasan la.
11. Syok / Shiok
Next up is Shock/Shiok. This word means amazing or describes something good. Usually, locals use this to give praise to something or a thing.
12. Potong Stim
Cut Stim is a Malaysian slang used to describe the best moments that are destroyed. This word is similar to the English word meaning "Killjoy". Usually, this word is used after the shock of a certain event.
Examples of its use are:
A: I see the table over there, we can go there!
B: Walao eh, Those people took it. Potong stim.
13. Tapau
Tapau comes from Chinese which means to take (food). This word is generally recognized in Malaysia. Usually, Tapau is used when you want to invite someone to eat.
Examples of its use are:
A: It’s lunch. Tapau, guys?
Or,
A: Tapau la, I cook this for you since you are my guest.
14. Boss
It's not like the English word is aimed at the owner. Boss in Malaysia is usually used on workers or restaurant customers. Although boss can also be used to refer to the owner. Bosses can also be used in conversations between taxi drivers or riders.
Examples of its use are:
A: Boss, eat here eh?
B: Sorry boss. I’ll take it away instead.
15. Cincai
Cincai, or pronounced like, "Chin-chai" means whatever or take it easy. Usually, this word is used for troublesome situations but some people do not want to overthink the situation.
Examples of its use are:
A: The queue is so long.
B: Cincai la, we can get this.
16. Bo Jio
Bo Jio is a word that tastes like Hokkien. Bo jio means "Never invite". Usually, we use this word to address people who don't invite us to an event.
Examples of its use are:
A: Bo Jio you won’t get invited to my party la.
Or,
A: Bo Jio her to our tea party. She doesn’t come to yours also yesterday.
17. Fuyoh
If you are on vacation in Malaysia, you will often hear the word "Fuyoh". This word describes expressions such as wow or omg. Usually, we also use this word in any circumstances that are surprising or are excited over something.
Examples of its use are:
A: Fuyoh, don’t rinse the rice la.
Or,
A: Why you don’t use the msg for that fried rice? Fuyoh.
18. Turun Padang
Descending is a word used when a person with the highest position or position is on a service trip or conducting an inspection of several places.
Examples of its use are:
A: Mr. Roby will turun padang tomorrow la.
19. Pergh
Pergh is a word commonly used in Malaysia. This is an appeal that is widely used by the younger generation. Pergh describes the joy, sensation, and or liking of someone or someone else. We usually say this word if we are amazed.
20. Alamak
Alamak is an exclamation that describes disappointment, continuity, or annoyance towards something or someone. We usually use this word in formal or informal situations.
Examples of its use are:
A: Alamak, I forget my phone at home.
21. Gempak
Gempak is an adjective from the Malay language. Padlock is a word that is often used in casual situations. You should not use this word in formal or professional situations.
Examples of its use are:
A: The Film was gempak la.
22. Gostan
Gostan is an English word that is the equivalent of "go astern" or backward. We usually use this word on vehicles especially when it is parking or indicating directions.
23. Abuden
Abuden is a word that describes sarcasm or indicates something obvious. We usually use this word to say sarcastic things to someone but with a relaxed context.
Examples of its use are:
A: I’m so stressed.
B: You work overtime, eh?
A: Abuden?
Good info.
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