Singlish

/ ˈsɪŋɡlɪʃ /

noun

1. a variety of English spoken in Singapore, incorporating elements of Chinese and Malay

Word History and Origins

Origin of Singlish¹

C20: from a blend of Singaporean + English

Example Sentences

“The main cast also comprises non-Singaporean actors who mostly speak in western accents,” he said, alluding to vetoed attempts by local members of the cast to include more “Singlish”, a form of local patois.

From The Guardian

Singaporean cast members have also said they were told to use less Singlish, Singapore's unique brand of English and a central marker of identity; and the movie trailer featured almost no Singaporean accents.

From BBC

They protested the trailer’s absence of Singlish, the patois prominently featured in the book.

From The Guardian

Some are trying to protect historical monuments, others challenging official versions of history, or passionately defending “Singlish,” a local patois of English, Chinese dialects and Malay.

From Seattle Times

Some are trying to protect historical monuments, others challenging official versions of history, or passionately defending “Singlish,” a local patois of English, Chinese dialects and Malay.

From New York Times