Every visitor would have heard the Malaysian slang words only the locals use when conversing – supposedly in English.
Over time, Malaysians have developed an unofficial language known as Manglish.
It is a unique blend of original, Malaysian, and slang words pulled from other vocabularies and languages, resulting in a single sentence that sometimes contains three or more languages!
Few countries can speak sentences combining Malay, Tamil, and Chinese dialects like Cantonese, Hokkien, and Mandarin.
Not only do Malaysians understand each other, but they also have an uncanny ability to switch to a distinct language at the drop of a hat.
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Malaysian Rojak Language – Malaysian Slang Words
Malaysians speak a “rojak” Manglish – thanks to the many slang words in Malaysia.
No wonder you get tourists with “blur” faces when locals vehemently agree that they speak English.
Malaysians pepper their conversations with words from other languages.
Malaysians are very creative with their word choices and speak Manglish instead of English.
Visitors will know us better with the LAH and understand what’s unique about being Malaysian.
Malaysian Slang words make our Malaysian culture unique and endearing to travelers.
Many visitors are impressed by how Malaysians assimilate into this multi-lingual and multi-cultural melting “cooking” pot.
No matter what our background or ethnicity, the Malaysian food experience unites the multiracial population of Malaysians
For Malaysians, it’s how we all grew up in our communities and in our everyday lives.
So come visit Malaysia and learn to use words like “yum cha,” “Jom Mamak,” “tapao,” and “bojio” during meal times like a Malaysian.
Travelstylus has compiled some of the most popular Malaysian slang words or Malaysian rojak language to start you along your journey into this incredibly innovative language.
Let’s dive in.
Abuden (Malaysian Slang)
Meaning: A sarcastic remark to state the obvious.
A: I’m so full.
B: Wah, you ate a lot, ah?
A: Abuden?
Action (Malaysian Slang)
Action is used to describe someone who is being braggy, cocky, or arrogant.
Example: “This guy is very action and purposely drove his BMW to the Pasar Malam.”
Alamak! (Malaysian Slang)
Alamak! is used to express shock, surprise, or frustration. It means, “Oh my God!”
or “Oh no!” Most Malaysians punctuate this with a face palm’ for dramatic effect automatically.
Example: “Alamak! I forgot to pay my saman (summons).”
Ais Kacang (Malay)
Meaning: Ais Kacang (literally means “ice bean”) is best known as Air Batu Campur (ABC).
The original ais kacang in the 50s and 60s was made of only shaved ice, sweetened boiled red beans, and covered with syrup.
Over the years, the dessert evolved, making ais kacang a popular local dessert with various ingredients and twists.
Ang Moh (Hokkien) Guai Lou (Mandarin)
Meaning: Terms that locals used to refer to ‘Western foreigners.’
Ang Moh and Guai Lou are more commonly used among the Chinese.
Auntie/Uncle (Malaysian Slang)
If you’re approached by someone younger than you, especially children, it is common to hear them address you as Auntie or Uncle.
It is a general term of respect to refer to your elders (even if they’re not related to you) and rarely through their first names unless directly requested.
Atas (Malay)
In Malay, it can mean “up” or “above,” but Malaysians also use it to say “very bougie” or “high class.”
Example: “Wah, you don’t want chap fan (economy rice) for lunch, ah? You so, Atas!”
Banana (Malaysian Slang)
Meaning: While bananas are a type of fruit, in Malaysia, they represent a ‘type’ of human—a Chinese who can’t speak the Chinese language!
Banana because… yellow on the outside, white on the inside!
Example: “He’s banana lah. He won’t understand if you speak in Mandarin.”
“He’s banana lah. He won’t understand if you speak in Mandarin.”
Banjir (Malay)
Meaning: With food, Malaysians love to order Roti Canai Banjir or Nasi Kuah Banjir.
“Banjir” (Malay) means flood and a Malaysian asks for extra gravy or curry to flood his Roti Canai or Nasi (Cooked Rice).
Malaysians love asking for extra gravy or curry to flood their Roti Canai and Nasi.
Belanja (Malay)
Meaning: Synonymous with ‘I got you covered, we used “Belanja” when someone is settling your food or drink bill for you.
If you ever encounter a great Malaysian telling you that they “Belanja” you, it means they are treating you, and the meal is on them!
Commonly used with buddies who are broke or if you’re casually trying to ask someone out on a date.
Example:
A: I can’t go out – I spent all my money on bubble tea.
B: It’s okay. I belanja you this time.
Bo Jio (Hokkien)
Meaning: In Hokkien, Bo Jio means “never invite.” Malaysians love using this word in jest when referring to friends who didn’t invite them to an outing or gathering.
If you don’t invite your Malaysian friends out, you will hear the phrase ‘why you bojio?’
We have commonly seen these on Facebook comments (especially pictures), Twitter, and Instagram.
Warning: May cause irritation or annoyance for the other party.
Expect a response: “Jio, you also you FFK one!” Exclamation Of Amazement
Boss (English)
Meaning: This is strange- not to be confused with your employer at work.
Typically, you will hear this at an alfresco Indian Muslim restaurant called the “Mamak.”
You will listen to this term used by both the servers and customers.
Malaysians call either the workers at a Mamak stall “Boss.” The Mamak also calls the customers “Boss.”
It works both ways. Conversations may go like this.
Example:
Customer: Boss, Kira semua. (Bill, please)
Mamak: RM50 saja Boss (RM50 only)
Customer: Boss, kira betul betul! (Too expensive, count again!)
Boss can also work between taxi or ride-sharing drivers and riders.
Example:
Mamak: Boss, you can not sit together now; got MCO.
Customer: Sorry, Boss. I Tapao LAH.
Bungkus (Malay)
If you’re ordering food-to-go in Malaysia, this is handy to remember.
Tapau (Cantonese) and ‘bungkus’ (Malay) are synonymous when ordering a restaurant’s takeaway.
Butter and Kaya Toast (English and Malay)
Meaning: Kaya is a coconut jam made from a base of coconut milk, eggs, and sugar.
Char Kway Teow (Hokkien)
Meaning: Char Kway Teow is a famous Hokkien stir-fried “Kway Teow” flat rice noodle dish.
We sometimes refer to it as a Penang Char Kway Teow, which is the original home of the hawker dish cooked in a hot frying wok.
Chup or Chope (Malaysian Slang)
Meaning: Chup has three implications:
On the one hand, it means “wait” or telling people to pause in the middle of a conversation to talk about something more urgent.
On the other, it means “I’ve claimed this.” or to “book” something
Example:
- “Chup! Where are we going to eat, ah?”
- “I chup those free Beyonce tickets!”
Used in a sentence:
A: Can you chup this seat for me and help me order a drink?
B: Chup, I need to pick up this call first.
Chun (Malaysian Slang)
Meaning: We can use it in several ways, but more or less, we need to show a stamp of approval.
Example:
A: Wah, that girl is damn pretty. She’s so Chun.
B: I heard she likes you.
A: Chun, I’ll ask her out.
Chendul (Malay)
Meaning: Cendol is a shaved ice-sweet dessert made with droplets of green rice flour noodles (called Cendol), coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.
Cincai (Malaysian Slang)
Meaning: Pronounced “Chin-Chai.” It means “whatever.”
Example:
Customer: Eh, wrap nicely, la. Why are you so cincai one?
Seller: MEH
Cold Storage Bread (English)
Meaning: Cold Storage is a supermarket chain in Singapore owned by Dairy Farm International Holdings.
Curi-Curi (Malay)
Meaning: Curi-curi means to steal
FFK / Fong Fei Kei (Cantonese)
Meaning: Back out of a previously agreed-upon meeting at the last minute.
Let Go Aeroplane???
“Fly Aeroplane” is an English way of saying it. As in, our friend must’ve ditched us because he went flying an airplane. (as in doing something more important than our appointment)
Example:
A: Okay, see you tomorrow, okay, don’t Fong Fei Kei me.
B: Yes, so excited to meet you.
A: *Next day* Hey, B, I’m here. Where are you?
B: Eh, sorry, I suddenly can’t make it.
A: FFK LAH you.
Let Go Aeroplane???
F&N Orange (English)
Meaning: Fraser and Neave (F&N) made Soft Drinks with Orange flavors, which were most popular during Chinese New Year celebrations in the 1950s and 1960s.
Geng – (Malaysian Slang)
Meaning: No one knows the origins of “Geng.” But it’s most understandably a sound people make when describing something as impressive.
It’s not to be confused with “gang”—as in gang members. It’s pronounced “g-eh-ng,” which rhymes with Ah Beng.
Example: You scored 99% on your exam. So geng ah you?
Gostan (Malaysian Slang)
Meaning: It is derived from the nautical English phrase “go astern,” which means “to go backward.” Malaysians use it to mean “reverse” (a vehicle).
People usually shout “Gostan! Gostan! Gostan!” when directing a driver with no other words.
Har? (Malaysian Slang)
Meaning: Har? is used to expressing reluctance.
Example: “Harr… why do I have to do this?”
Iced Ang Tau (Manglish)
Meaning: Ang Tau Sng (Hokkien for iced red bean) is a sweet dessert. See Ais Kacang
Ice Ball (English)
Meaning: An ice ball is a large, shaved ice form into a spherical ball covered with two or three types of syrup.
Malaysian children eat this cold dessert by holding it in their hands.
Indian Roti Man (Malay)
Meaning: The Roti Man is a dying breed of nostalgic Kaya Bread and Snacks Vendor in Malaysia.
There used to be one Roti Man in every neighborhood who used to come by on a big black bicycle.
Nowadays, the Roti Man comes on a motorcycle.
Kacang Puteh (Malay)
Meaning: Kacang Putih means white nuts).
The actual Kacang Putih are steamed Chickpea (Kacang kuda) sold as street snacks with fried Indian snacks like Murukku and assorted fried nuts.
Kacang Puteh Man (Malay)
Meaning: Kacang Puteh Man is the vendor.
Kacau (Malay)
Meaning: To tease, disturb, or disrupt someone or something.
Example:
Mom: Don’t kacau the cat.
Kid: We’re not.
Kapok Guitar (English)
Meaning: The Guangzhou Kapok Guitar Co is one of the largest guitar makers in China.
Malaysian teenagers first learned to play using this cheap guitar.
Everyone has either owned a Kapok or played on one before.
Kantoi (Malay)
Meaning: Kantoi is a word used when someone gets “caught red-handed” or busted and used when catching someone in a shameful situation.
Malaysian singer-songwriter Zee Avi famously used the term in a song about catching her boyfriend cheating.
Kee Huat Fantastic Facts and Fancies (English)
Meaning: The Kee Heat Radio’s ‘Fantastic Facts and Fancies’ was on every Sunday.
The DJ, Patrick Teoh will tell an exciting story and then play seven popular era songs.
Kena (Malay)
Meaning: Literal meaning is “get.” Kena is used in any context, like getting punished, falling sick, and even striking the lottery.
But it’s often used for dramatic effect since it sends chills down any misbehaving kid’s spine.
Example:
Don’t be naughty, or else you sure Kena from your mother.
Kua Chi (Hokkien)
Meaning: Also spelled as Guazi, Kua Chi is roasted plant seeds.
The Chinese communities love to munch on the seeds as snacks, especially when watching a movie at the cinema.
Kua Chi is roasted plant seeds.
Lah (Malay)
This is the ultimate slang used by Malaysians everywhere.
Perhaps you’ve never heard a real Malaysian conversation without encountering the famous ‘lah.’
There is no explanation for ‘lah’ as the word itself means nothing; Malaysians use it to add ‘flavor’ and’ emphasis’ to their sentences.
Fair warning, using ‘lah’ can be rather addictive once you get the hang of it.
Fair warning, using ‘lah’ can be rather addictive once you get the hang of it.
Leng Chai (Cantonese)
Meaning: Handsome boy. Leng Zai is more commonly used among the Chinese, while Leng Chai is most widely used among Malays and Indians. It’s just a matter of pronunciation.
Leng Lui (Cantonese)
Meaning: Pretty girl, but even if you call Aunty Leng Lui, she wouldn’t mind and smile back.
While we usually use these words as a compliment, Malaysians sometimes call random strangers “Eh, Leng Cai!” or “Eh, you Leng Lui” to get their attention, rather than the usual “excuse me.”
Macha (Tamil)
Meaning: Slang for ‘brother.’ Malaysians refer to their good friends as ‘macha,’ and it’s often considered the local equivalent of the English slang ‘fam.’
Mamak (Malaysian Slang)
Meaning: A Mamak originally refers to Malaysians of Tamil-Muslim origin.
It is now mainly used as a restaurant or stall serving Indian Muslim food.
Some places offer a fusion of Malaysian cuisine.
These ‘Mamaks’ joints are favorite hangout spots for Malaysians from all walks of life.
Malaysians describe it as: ‘the British have their pubs, we have our Mamak shops.’
Mamak is open 24/7 and can be incredibly lively during massive sporting events.
Mata-Mata (Malay)
Meaning: Mata refers to the eye in Malay. Still, mata-mata means police officer (or watchman), whereas a patrolling police officer of the olden days was the “one on all eyes.”
Example:
Don’t play the fool. You won’t want the Mata-Mata to catch you.
Mat Salleh (Malay)
Meaning: A word used to describe Caucasians. Mat Salleh is more commonly used among Malays and Indians.
Mr. Singh (English)
Definition: Reference to a Punjabi man
Mampus or Mampos (Malay)
Meaning: You’re in irreparable trouble, and there’s an extremely high likelihood that punishment will follow.
Example: The cat tore up mum’s tudung while I played with it. Mampuslah when she finds out.
Muruku (Tamil)
Meaning: Malaysians typically make Murukku from rice flour and urad dal flour.
Chakli is a similar dish, typically made with an additional ingredient, Bengal gram (chickpea) flour.
Example:
Deepavali, you got invite me to your house for Makan and Murukku?
On (Malaysian Slang)
In English, ‘on’ is a preposition, for instance, “The book is on the table,” or used to show wanting to use an electrical appliance such as turning on the lights.
In Malaysia, we use ‘on’ to show that we’re ‘up for the plan/activity.
Example: “We are going to Mamak tonight. You on ah?” “On lah!”
On the way (Malaysian Slang)
It’s used when someone is at least halfway to the destination.
In Malaysia, even if someone hasn’t left their home, they still consider themselves on the way.
Example: Just leaving the house = “I’m on the way!”
One (Malaysian Slang)
No, we don’t mean ‘one’ on the numerical digit. We often use this word to confirm our statement or question, usually added at the end of each sentence.
Example: “Ask this girl questions about Malaysia. She sure knows one.”
Pattern (Malaysian Slang)
When English speakers say ‘pattern,’ they mean repeated decorative designs.
In Malaysia, this word is frequently used to describe someone who acts in unusual behaviors.
Example: “So you’re telling me you like banana-flavored ice cream but not the fruit? Can you don’t so pattern ah?”
Malaysian Phase: Pattern more than badminton.
Paiseh (Hokkien)
Meaning: Hokkien for shy or embarrassed. Expect this if you ask someone to do something outside their comfort zone.
Perasan (Malay)
Meaning: Perasan means “notice.” However, Malaysians use it to say, “Don’t flatter yourself,” as in a Sarcastic Response.
Example:
A: Omg, that guy can’t stop staring at me!
B: Don’t perasan la.
Potong Stim or Potong Steam (Malay)
Meaning: Synonymous with the English word “killjoy,” which refers to someone being a wet blanket or a pleasant moment being ruined.
We usually use it after something syok has been taken away from us.
Example:
A: OMG! I see a parking spot up ahead!
A: Kancil parked already. Potong stim only.
Power/Terror (Malaysian Slang)
We use these two words to show how excellent/great something or someone is.
It can be food, a person, or just about anything!
Example: Jason just helped me solve this super complicated math question! So power/terror, right?
Roti Bengali (Malay)
Locals commonly referred to meaning: Contrary to popular belief that the Punjabis (Punjabis introduced this beloved local bread known as Bengali Bread).
Roti Bengali is mainly sold by Indians and Indian Muslims and is named “Mamak Roti.”
Example:
The Roti Man is here. Quickly buy the Roti Bengali.
Roti Canai (Malay)
Meaning: An Indian-influenced flatbread, the Roti Canai is eaten with curries and is sold at Mamak Stalls. In Singapore, we know it as Roti Prata.
Example:
Boss, Roti Canai Banjir.
58 Samseng (Malay)
Meaning: A Samseng is a thug or a gangster and gang member.
Example:
Don’t behave like Samseng lah you.
Siamese Fighting Fishes (English)
Meaning: The earliest record of the betta fish in Thailand was during the Thonburi Period (1767–1782).
These colorful fish are called Fighting Fish for their ability to fight.
They are restrained by keeping the fish separately in glass jam jars.
Malaysians keep the Siamese Fighting Fish for gambling purposes.
Siamese Fighting Fish in old jam jars!
Steady (English)
While English speakers use this to describe something firm or stable, we Malaysians use this word when telling someone who’s laid back and chill.
Example: “Sean is taking his big exam today, but he still seems very steady ah.”
Slumber (English)
People would think you mean ‘sleep’ when you say slumber.
But in the Malaysian context, it’s used to describe a person who isn’t anxious or worried about something.
Example: “He came in 3 hours late to work, but he’s still so slumber.”
Stoned (English)
English speakers use this word to describe a drunk or under the influence of drugs, especially marijuana.
However, we Malaysians are so laid back that we get stoned just by staring into blank space.
It is sometimes used to describe someone who looks lifeless.
Example: “Eh, didn’t sleep well yesterday? You look super stoned.”
Susu Lembu (Malay)
Meaning: Cow’s Milk. In Indian restaurants, you can order a Bru Coffee or Teh Tarik made with fresh Cow’s Milk.
Example:
Annee, Bru Coffee!
Syok/Shiok (Malay)
Meaning: Amazing, or something that feels good.
Most fondly remembered as the tagline of any neighborhood ice cream man selling Mat Kool frozen lollies.
Example:
Mat Kool Mat Kool kawanku,
Mari kita ikut Mat Kool,
Main main selalu
Syoknya, syoknya ada Mat Kool.
Tackle (Englsih)
This one can be tricky for foreigners! When someone asks you to ‘tackle’ a person in Malaysia, 90% of the time, it means approaching and flirting with an individual.
Don’t end up beating someone up!
Example: “I think she likes you. Quickly tackle her lah!”
Tapau (Cantonese)
Meaning: Tapau means to pack food or “takeaway.” In Malaysia, especially when someone stands up during lunch and exclaims, “Tapau, guys?”
Alternative: Bungkus (Malay)
Example: “Can you tapau food for me?”
Top of the Pops (English)
Meaning: Top of the Pops (TOTP) is a British music chart television program made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly between 1 January 1964 and 30 July 2006.
Uncles (English)
Meaning: In Malaysia, the locals call older people Uncle or Aunty out of respect, regardless of race or differences.
Its old-fashioned usage is a kind of one size fits all that includes non-relatives.
Example:
Morning Uncle, where is Aunty?
Walao, eh! (Malaysian Slang)
Meaning: A word is used to describe the feeling of surprise or disbelief but is used for emotions or situations.
An exclamation that is equivalent to “Oh my God!”
The meaning of this phrase differs based on delivery and tone, and it can either be an angry statement or one of awe and shock.
Example:
A: I think I saw a ghost behind you.
B: *Turns around* Walao, eh!
Or
Example: “Walau eh! I just won free tickets to Taylor Swift’s concert.”
Yerr (Malaysian Slang Words)
Meaning: Used to express disgust.
Example: “Yerrrr, you’re so smelly!”
Yum Cha (Cantonese)
Meaning: Yum Cha means “drink tea” for the Chinese community.
It means drinking tea and having Dim Sum.
Malaysians have adopted the words outside their original context to mean ‘hang out’ over drinks (usually non-alcoholic) or food at the local coffee shop or ‘Mamak.’
Yum Cha means “drink tea” for the Chinese community.
Want to give these funny Malaysian slang words a shot?
Fly to Malaysia to learn how to use your favorite Malaysian slang word enthusiastically.
You can start anytime, LAH.
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