In today’s article, we will share how you can speak like a local Malaysian just by using these slangs.
Let’s get started!
1. Lah
The ultimate Malaysian slang! Everyone in Malaysia uses this. “Lah” is more of a term then an actual word. It has no meaning, it is more often used to spice up sentences and emphasise what you’er trying to say
Used in a sentence: So he’s not coming lah | Why is it raining lah! | Ok lah.
2. Bo Jio
This term coming from the Hokkien language meaning ‘never invite’. Malaysians normally use this is a joking manner to friends who didn’t invite them to an outing or gathering.
Used in a sentence:
Friend 1: “Breakfast at Village Park was amazing.”
Friend 2: “Wah Bo Jio!”
3. Cincai
This term literally translates to “whatever.” Used when you don’t care about an outcome ore if you feel someone else doesn’t care about the outcome.
Used in a sentence: Cincai lah where to eat!
4. FFK / Fong Fei Kei
If a person backs out of a previously agreed meeting at the very last minute. FFK is the shortened version of Fong Fei Kei, but Malaysians normally use it in all caps, to emphasise annoyance.
Used in a sentence: Eh! Why you FFK!
5. Walao eh
An exclamation that is equivalent to “Oh my God!”. The meaning of this phrase differs based on delivery and tone. It can either be an angry statement or one of awe and shock.
Used in a sentence: Walao eh, he FFK you?! | Walao eh, so nice she bought you a gift.
6. Potong Stim
Malay slang that basically means ‘killjoy’, which is used to refer to someone that ruins a good moment. It can either used in annoyance or playfully.
Friend 1: “No lah! tomorrow got work, we can’t go out.”
Friend 2: “Eh don’t Potong Stim lah!”
7. Tapau/Bungkus
If you’re ordering food to-go in Malaysia, this is a handy one to remember. Tapau (Cantonese) and ‘bungkus’ (Malay) are synonymous and are used when ordering take-away from a restaurant.
Used in a sentence: Can we tapau this please?
8. Macha
Coming from the tamil language it literally refers to “one’s brother in-law” but in slang Malaysians tend to refer to their good friends as ‘macha’
Used in a sentence: Hey macha! What’s up?
9. Yum Cha and Lepak
Yum Cha is word derived from the Cantonese language. Yum Cha literally means “drink tea”, Malaysians use the word to mean “hang out”.
Used in a sentence: Hey you want to go yum cha?
Lepak
Literally means “hang out”, this is one useful phrase to know! Try this when you want to spend time with your friends — to get yum cha or just to go to the ‘mamak’!
Used in a sentence: Where shall we lepak?
10. Gostan
If you find yourself in a situation where someone is yelling “gostan, gostan, gostan!” while you’re driving. just know that it means to “reverse” a vehicle.
Used in a sentence: “gostan, gostan, gostan!”
11. Ang Moh/Guai Lou/Mat Salleh
These terms are used to refer to Caucasian people. ‘Ang moh’ and ‘guai lou’ is more often used by the Chinese whilst ‘mat salleh’ is more popular among the Malays.
Used in a sentence: There are a lot of Ang Moh/Guai Lou/Mat Salleh in this area.
12. Alamak!
This is an expression used for shocked, surprised, or frustration.
Used in a sentence: Alamak! Forgot to take in the clothes before it rains!
13. Abuden
This is a sarcastic remark to indicate stating the obvious.
Used in a sentence:
Friend 1: “Are you going to work tomorrow?” (example on a weekday)
Friend 2: “Abuden! Holiday ah?”
Andd that’s a wrap! Use these slangs and you will be speak like native Malaysian instantly!
