All the words
particleexclamationfoodmamakdailyemotioninsultmoneyworkschoolfamilyfestivedrivinginternetregionalpeoplephrasecomplimentsuperstitionromancekampung
- alreadyManglish for done or completed, placed at the end of a sentence. 'Eat already' means I've eaten.
- amboiMalay exclamation of surprise or teasing, like 'well, well, well'. Also hamboi.
- ampuTo flatter or brown-nose someone, especially a boss.
- ang pauRed packet of money given at Chinese New Year and weddings. Also ang pow.
- annehTamil for older brother, used respectfully for an older man, often a shopkeeper. Also anne, ane.
- apa cerShort for 'apa cerita', meaning what's up? or what's the story?
- astagaOh my goodness! A mild Malay exclamation of shock.
- atasPosh, high-class, a bit fancy.
- atukMalay for grandfather. Also tok.
- auntieRespectful way to address any older woman, related or not. Also aunty.
- awatNorthern Malay for why. Also pasaipa.
- awekMalay slang for girlfriend, or a young woman in general.
- ayamMalay for chicken, and slang for a weak or noob player.
- bahSabah's all-purpose particle for agreement, encouragement or emphasis, like 'okay lah' or 'yes'. Also spelt ba.
- bajetActing as if, or thinking you are. 'Bajet bagus' means he thinks he's great.
- baju rayaNew traditional outfits worn for Hari Raya, often colour-matched across the whole family.
- balik kampungGoing back to your hometown, especially for the festive holidays.
- bandungPink rose syrup mixed with milk, a sweet favourite especially during Ramadan.
- bangangMalay for stupid or foolish, a bit harsher than bodoh.
- banjirMalay for flood. At the mamak it means drowning your rice or roti in curry.
- bantaiTo whack or thrash someone, or to devour food with gusto.
- bebShort for babe, used between friends, especially girls.
- belanjaTo treat someone, as in pay for their food or drinks. Also means spending in general.
- bengangMalay slang for furious or really annoyed.
- bengongDumb or dim-witted.
- berlagakShowing off, acting high and mighty.
- bestMalaysian for fun, great or enjoyable, not just 'the best'.
- biasa lahMalay for 'normal lah' or 'as usual', shrugging something off.
- biniCasual Malay for wife.
- bluffTo lie or kid someone, not just in poker.