BTO, jialat, kaypoh: Oxford English Dictionary adds new Singlish words
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The next time someone tells you that your English is really jialat, you can get one up on them by showing them that jialat is a real English word. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has been updated on Tuesday (March 24) with over 500 new words, includiBTO, jialat, kaypoh: Oxford English Dictionary adds new Singlish words
The next time someone tells you that your English is really jialat, you can get one up on them by showing them that jialat is a real English word. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has been updated on Tuesday (March 24) with over 500 new words, including 11 entries with a Singaporean or Malaysian English etymology. Among them are some standout additions in BTO, jialat and kaypoh, with ice kacang no doubt being an honourable mention as a delectable and iconic dessert in both Singapore and Malaysia. The other additions are: assam laksa, agak-agak, boleh, degazette, Mat Salleh, play play and wayang. BTO, or build-to-order, refers to the Housing Development Board's (HDB) scheme wherein HDB flats are built for Singapore citizens. However, it can also be used as a verb, referring to the act of applying for a flat under the scheme, according to OED. The dictionary also states that the word is «often used when discussing a couple's relationship status, as applying for a flat together under the BTO scheme is seen as an important milestone, similar to an engagement.» Read more
