Cultural dos and don’ts, plus a handy phrase book that introduces you to the language and local argot.
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Dos and Don’ts:
- Temper: Don’t get openly angry or lose your cool in Singapore or anywhere in Asia for that matter. Shouting at someone in front of others is considered a “loss of face” and won’t accomplish anything.
- Pointing: Never make obscene gestures; pointing at someone with your index finger is considered rude.
- Chopstick Etiquette: Chopstick etiquette is important. Never cross another person’s chopsticks when you are reaching for something. Never rest chopsticks in a bowl or on a plate; always place chopsticks in a rest, or on a separate plate; to place the chopsticks across your bowl or plate shows that you are still hungry.
- Burping: A gentle burp shows appreciation of good food. Don’t be surprised if there is considerable smacking of lips during a meal and burping at the end to show the meal tasted good.
- Handshakes: Malaysian men and women do not shake hands. A nod of the head and a bright smile is a polite greeting between people of the opposite sex. If between men, don’t be surprised by the Malay’s light touch; Muslims usually exchange light handshakes.
- Touching: When attending any Indian social event, like a wedding, do not touch members of the opposite sex. Even husbands and wives will not touch one another in public. Also, never touch an Indian on the head, even a child.
Phrase Book:
“Singlish” is a local patois of English mixed with Chinese syntax. Words from Malay and one of the southern Chinese dialects, Hokkien being the most common, are also used just to make it confusing for foreigners. The writers of the local culture and humor website, talkingcock.com, have compiled a list of most “Singlish” words and phrases, from A to Z. Here are some of the most common terms.
Ah beng: An unsophisticated Chinese boy, usually Hokkien. Pronounced ah-beng.
Ah lian: Female equivalent of ah beng, an unsophisticated Chinese girl. Pronounced ah-lee on.
Blur: Someone considered inept or in a world of their own. Pronounced blur.
Lah: Used as a full stop or ending. “Are you coming, lah?” Pronounced la.
Pecah: Broken. “Once you pay for the goods, if pecah already, that’s your problem.” Pronounced per-cha.
Sarong Party Girl (SPG): A pejorative term describing local girls who will only go out with Caucasians.
Seow: Crazy. "Look at that seow char bor (crazy woman)!" Pronounced see-ow.
Shaddup: Local version of “shut up.” Pronounced shah-dup.
Shiok: Denotes extreme pleasure or the highest quality. “This soup is damn shiok, man!” Pronounced she-awk.
Talk cock: To speak rubbish or nonsense. “Ah Beng managed to pass the exam? Don’t talk cock lah!”
