kiasu

[ kee-ah-soo, kee-uh-soo ]

adjective

1. self-serving, competitive, or greedy:

   parents who are kiasu about their children’s education.

noun

1. Also ki·a·su·ism []. a self-serving, competitive, or greedy mindset.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kiasu¹

First recorded in 1975–80; from dialectal Chinese (Southern Min, Fujian): literally, “fear of losing or of losing out”; introduced into standard English by speakers of Singaporean English

Example Sentences

If you’re a parent who volunteers hours of your free time at a school just so your offspring has a better chance of enrolling there one day, then you’re most definitely kiasu.

From Los Angeles Times

Taken from the Chinese dialect Hokkien, kiasu translates to a fear of losing out, but encompasses any sort of competitive, stingy or selfish behavior commonly witnessed in this highflying city-state.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the country’s most famous comic strips was centered on a bespectacled character named Mr. Kiasu.

From Los Angeles Times

If you stand in line for hours just because there’s a gift at the end, then you’re kiasu.

From Los Angeles Times

If you claim a spot at a table at a busy food court with a packet of tissues while you wander off in search of grub, you’re kiasu.

From Los Angeles Times