Malaysian slang words
Malaysian slang words
We Malaysians can get very creative with our word choices. Forget the fancy pants ang moh vocabulary. Not many countries are able to speak a full sentence that combines different languages and still have people understand what they’re saying. But, we Malaysians can.
We’re so used to speaking Rojak English that some of us can’t speak proper English to save our lives. But that’s what makes us so unique, right? Here’s what I’m talking about.
1. Leng Zai (or Leng Chai) / Leng Lui
Leng Zai (or Leng Chai) meaning: Leng Zai comes from the Cantonese word 靚仔 which means handsome (boy). Leng Zai is more commonly used among Chinese, while Leng Chai is more commonly used among Malays and Indians, it’s just a matter of pronunciation.
Leng Lui meaning: In Cantonese it’s written as 靚女 which means pretty (girl).
Henry Golding can be considered a true blue Malaysian Leng Chai.
Image credit: @henrygolding
While these words are normally used as a compliment, we Malaysians sometimes call random strangers “ Eh, Leng Zai!” or “Eh, you Leng Lui over there”, to get their attention, rather than the usual “excuse me”.
2. Boss
Meaning: Not to be confused with your actual boss at work. It’s what we call either the workers or the customers at your typical mamak stall – yes, it works both ways. Also works between taxi or ride sharing drivers and riders.
Image credit: Pelita
Used in a sentence:
Mamak stall owner: Boss, you cannot sit there, now got MCO.
Customer: Sorry boss. I’ll bungkus instead.
3. Cincai
Meaning: Pronounced “Chin-Chai”. Literally means “whatever.”
Used in a sentence:
Customer: Excuse me sir, there are cows lining up outside this bank.
Image credit: @NadiaAzlan
Bank teller: Tak apa, cincai la.
4. Yum Cha
Meaning: Yum Cha is another word derived from the Cantonese language. Yum Cha (饮茶) literally means “drink tea”, it is an act of drinking Chinese tea and having dim sum for the Chinese. Nowadays Malaysians use the word to mean “hang out” or to have a high tea of sorts.
5. FFK / Fong Fei Kei / Fly Aeroplane
Meaning: To back out of a previously agreed upon meeting at the last minute. FFK is basically the shortened version of Fong Fei Kei, but since it’s in all caps, it does the job of sounding much angrier.
“Fly Aeroplane” is an english way of saying it, as in, our friend must’ve ditched us because he went to fly an aeroplane.
Used in a sentence:
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 la you.
6. Walao / Walao Eh
Meaning: A word used to describe the feeling of surprise or disbelief.
Used in a sentence:
A: I think I saw a ghost behind you.
B: *Turns around* Walao eh!
Image credit: Muhd Urabil Alias
7. Ang Moh / Guai Lou / Mat Salleh
Meaning: A word used to describe Caucasians. Ang Moh and Guai Lou is more commonly used among Chinese, while Mat Salleh is more commonly used among Malays and Indians.
8. Chup
Meaning: Chup has 2 meanings: On one hand it means “wait”, and on the other it means “I’ve claimed this.”
Used in 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.
9. Chun
Meaning: It can be used in several ways, but more or less indicates a stamp of approval.
Used in a sentence:
A: Wah that girl is damn pretty, she’s so chun.
B: I heard she likes you.
A: Chun, I’ll ask her out.
10. Belanja
Meaning: Belanja is a Malay word that means to treat someone to something – usually a meal or drink.
Most commonly used with buddies who are broke, or if you’re casually trying to ask someone out on a date.
Used in a sentence:
A: I can’t go out – I spent all my money on bubble tea.
B: It’s okay, I belanja you this time.
11. Perasan
Meaning: Perasan is actually a Malay word that means “notice”, but for some reason it ventured out of its origins and now we Malaysians use it to say “don’t flatter yourself”.
Used in a sentence:
A: Omg that guy can’t stop staring at me!
B: Don’t perasan la.
12. Syok/Shiok
Meaning: Amazing, or something that feels good.
Most fondly remembered as the tagline of any neighbourhood ice cream man selling Mat Kool frozen lollies.
Ice cream on a hot day is truly syok
Image credit: @me.turner
Used in a sentence:
Mat Kool Mat Kool kawanku,
Mari kita ikut Mat Kool,
Main main selalu
Syoknya, syoknya ada Mat Kool.
13. Potong Stim (or Potong Steam)
Meaning: A term used to describe a good moment being ruined, kind of synonymous to the English word “killjoy”.
Usually used after something syok has been taken away from you.
Used in a sentence:
A: OMG! I see a parking spot up ahead!
A: Damnit it’s a MyVi. Potong stim.
14. Kena
Meaning: Literal meaning is “get”. Can be used in pretty much any context, like to get punished, to fall sick, and even to strike the lottery.
But it’s often used for dramatic effect since it sends chills down any misbehaving kid’s spine.
MCO violators in Malaysia kena arrested by the police
Image adapted from: Bernama
Used in a sentence: Don’t be naughty, or else you’ll kena.
15. Kacau
Meaning: A Malay word that means to tease, disturb or disrupt someone or something.
Used in a sentence:
Mom: Don’t kacau the cat.
Kid: We’re not.
Things Malaysians are doing while staying at home.
Image credit: @theghrack
16. Mampus / Mampos
Meaning: You’re in irreparable trouble and there’s an extremely high likelihood that punishment will follow.
Used in a sentence: The cat tore up mum’s tudung while I was playing with it. Mampuslah when she finds out.
17. Kantoi
Meaning: Kantoi is a word used when someone gets caught red handed, or in other words, busted.
Image credit: @thesmartlocalsg
Used in a sentence: I found out you like that girl! Kantoi!
18. Gostan
Meaning: Apparently Gostan is derived from the nautical English phrase “go astern” which means “to go backwards”. Nowadays we Malaysians use it to mean “reverse” (a vehicle).
People just usually shout “Gostan! Gostan! Gostan!” when directing a driver without the need for any other words.
19. Tapau
Meaning: Tapau comes from the Chinese word 打包 (da bao) which means take away (food). It’s pronounced exactly the way its spelt, and is a universally recognised word in Malaysia, especially when someone stands up during lunch and exclaims, “Tapau, guys?”
20. Geng
Meaning: No one really knows what language geng is derived from. But it’s most understandably a sound that people make when describing something as impressive.
Not to be confused with “gang” – as in gang members. It’s pronounced “g-eh-ng”, which rhymes with ah beng.
Image credit: @thesmartlocalsg
Used in a sentence: You scored 98% on your exam? So geng ah you?
21. Bo Jio
Meaning: Bo Jio derives from the Hokkien word that means “never invite”, we Malaysians normally use it to people who didn’t invite us to a certain event, outing or gathering.
Commonly seen on Facebook comments (especially pictures), Twitter and Instagram.
Warning: May cause irritation or annoyance for the other party. Expect a response as such: “Jio you also won’t come lah!”
Image credit: kuanyee
22. Abuden
Meaning: A sarcastic remark to indicate stating the obvious.
A: I’m so full.
B: Wah, you ate a lot ah?
A: Abuden?
Slang words only Malaysians use
Every true blue Malaysian would’ve used their share of these slang words in a lifetime. And if you’re not Malaysian, this guide will help you understand how we truly express ourselves – proudly, at that.
You can also check out our guide to Singlish.
Original article published on 7th May 2014. Last updated by Jessica Fang on 24th April 2020.