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35 Malaysian Slang Words Only Locals Know ‘Cause We Can Juggle 3 Languages Like A Pro 

Malaysian slang words


It’s not hard to detect a Malaysian in your vicinity when abroad. Just listen to the way they are speaking – they’ll mix no less than three languages in sentences like a linguistic acrobat, with the occasional lah at the end of each one.

Whether just to see how Malaysian you truly are, or you’re a tourist who wants to blend in with the locals, this list of 35 Malaysian slang words is for you.


1. Lah


What it means: A versatile suffix used for emphasis or to soften a statement.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Why you didn’t come to the party yesterday?
You: I had a bad headache lah.

Malaysian slang words - lah
‘Lah’ can be used in almost any situation.
Image credit: @thesmartlocalmy via Instagram


2. Kiasu


What it means: It is translated from the Hokkien phrase for “fear of losing”. In Malaysian-ese, it is used to refer to an overly competitive person.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Do you want to go to the Apple Store opening?
You: Don’t need to be so kiasu. Let’s wait until there’s no more queues.

Malaysian slang words - Apple
Image credit: Apple


3. Gostan


What it means: To reverse, especially in a vehicle. It is said to be derived from the words “Go astern”, meaning to go backward, but has amalgamated into a single word with local flavour.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Can you park there?
You: Sure, let me gostan.

Malaysian slang words - gostan
Image via imgflip.com 


4. Macha


What it means: Macha is a term used to refer to male friends, derived from the Tamil language.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Hey, macha! How have you been?
You: Good, macha. How about you?


5. Paiseh


What it means: A Hokkien word meaning “shy”. It can also be used to express regret or embarrassment.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Anyone wants the last piece?
You: Don’t so paiseh. Just eat it.

Malaysian slang words - paiseh
Image credit: Free Food Photos


6. Potong stim


What it means: A Malay phrase that means “to spoil the mood or atmosphere”, which can also be used to describe a person who is a wet blanket or killjoy. It literally means to “cut steam”.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: He was so close to getting the gold medal.
You: Ya, his opponent really potong stim.


7. Sap sap sui


What it means: A Cantonese phrase that translates to “easy” or “no problem”, equivalent to the English phrases “easy peasy” or “piece of cake”.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Eh, how did you score ‘A’ in your exam?
You: Sap sap sui only.


8. Korang / kitorang


What it means: Korang (“kamu orang”) and kitorang (“kita orang”) are contracted versions of two-word Malay pronouns. The first means “you all” and the latter means “we all”.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Are you all coming to the party tonight?
You: Yeah, korang better be ready for some fun!


9. Boss


What it means: Everyone’s a “boss” in Malaysia. It’s not a term that’s solely used to indicate someone who is in an authority position at work. It’s used more to address someone whose name you’re unsure of, especially if you’re looking to gain favour.

Used in a sentence: 

You: Boss, can give discount or not?
Shopowner: Best price already, boss.


10. Tapau


What it means: To take away food or drinks. Tapau is a Malaysian-ese word derived from the Cantonese “da bao”, which has the same meaning and pronunciation.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: What are you having for lunch?
You: I want to tapau some cendol.

Malaysian slang words - tapau


11. Lan Si / Aiksy / Eksyen


What it means: Lan si is used to describe someone who is overly arrogant or a show-off, or has a bossy attitude. Aiksy / eksyen is also used similarly.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: You see how she acted in the meeting?
You: Ya, so lan si – she only thinks her ideas are good.


12. Chun


What it means: Used to refer to a person or thing that is attractive or appealing.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Have you seen Crazy Rich Asians?
You: Yeah, Henry Golding is really chun!

Malaysian slang words - chun
Image credit: GQ via website


13. Aiyo / Aiya


What it means: Used in scenarios to express dismay, like “Oh no” or “Oh dear”.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: I just spilled coffee all over my shirt.
You: Aiyo, that’s terrible! Let me help you clean it up.


14. Alamak


What it means: An expression of surprise or exasperation, usually in reaction to something unpleasant. It’s similar to “Oh darn”.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: What time are you going to arrive?
You: Alamak, the traffic jam is horrible. But I’m on my way.

Malaysian slang words - alamak
Image adapted from: X


15. Chup


What it means: Chup holds two meanings, but it is most commonly used to say “Hold on” or “Wait a second”. It is also a substitute word for when someone wishes to reserve or claim something.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: When are you going on holiday?
You: I need to chup my annual leaves first.

Malaysian slang words - chup
Another example: a motorcycle “chup-ing” a parking spot.
Image credit: Reddit


16. Kantoi


What it means: Kantoi means to get caught in the act or red-handed.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Did you hear, Batman got arrested by the police at a Children’s Day celebration.
You: Alamak, kantoi already.

Malaysian slang words - kantoi
Image credit: New Straits Times via website


17. Kau tim


What it means: A Cantonese word that means “to settle” or “resolve”.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Did you sort out your income tax issues?
You: Yes, kau tim already.


18. Lepak


What it means: A Malay word that is used by Malaysians when they want to hang out or chill.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: What are your plans after work?
You: I was going to lepak with my friends, but I have to OT.

Malaysian slang words - lepak


19. Syok / shiok


What it means: Enjoyable or satisfying.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: How was Coldplay’s concert last night?
You: Syok lah! Chris Martin recited a Malay poem!


20. Cari makan


What it means: A Malay phrase that literally means “to look for food”, though it is used instead to mean “earn a living”.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Why are you working so hard these days?
You: What to do? Need to cari makan to pay rent and eat at cafes.

Malaysian slang words - cari makan


21. Goyang kaki


What it means: Goyang kaki means “shake leg”, to refer to the act of having nothing to do.

Used in a sentence:

Friend: Your dad looks so free nowadays – goyang kaki only.
You: Yeah, he just retired.


22. Bajet


What it means: Acting or pretending.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Did you see how he was posing at the party?
You: Yeah, he so bajet, acting like a model.


23. Yum Cha


What it means: Yum cha is a Cantonese phrase that means “drink tea”, commonly used when catching up with someone over a meal.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: What are you up to this afternoon?
You: Let’s go yum cha. I haven’t seen you in ages!

yum cha


24. Fong Fei Kei / FFK


What it means: Someone who cancels plans at the last minute, or fails to keep promises. It’s similar to the English phrase “Fly aeroplane”, meaning someone who leaves others high and dry. It’s often abbreviated as FFK.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Call him and ask him where he is. This morning he told me he’ll be coming to dinner.
You: He confirm fong fei kei.


25. Walao eh


What it means: Depending on the tone, it can be used to express surprise, shock, or disappointment.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: What is that Myvi up to?
You: Walao eh, the driver is trying to drift!

walao eh at myvi
Image credit: @bawaubabob via TikTok


26. Bo jio


What it means: Not being invited to something, that leads to feeling left out.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Why didn’t you come to my party last night?
You: Wah, bo jio. You never invite me also!
Friend: …

 bo jioImage adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia


27. Abuden


What it means: A local substitute to indicate something is obvious, same as “duh”.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Why did you bring an umbrella?
You: Abuden, it’s raining!


28. Dei


What it means: An Indian term to call someone in a friendly way.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Dei, I haven’t seen you in ages!
You: I know! We should catch up soon.


29. Makwe / Pakwe


What it means: A Malay term to refer to someone as your romantic partner.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Who’s that person you’re always with?
You: Oh, that’s my makwe / pakwe. We’ve been together for a while now.

makwe / pakwe
Image credit:
@xxiaohann via Instagram


30. Celaka


What it means: Celaka is a bazaar Malay word that means “cursed” or “unfortunate”. It is occasionally used as an expression of disagreement or dislike.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Were you caught in traffic this morning?
You: Yes, celaka! I was stuck for two hours.


31. Kena


What it means: To get, or be on the receiving end of something unpleasant.

Used in a sentence:

Friend: I forgot to do that assignment my boss asked me to!
You: You kena already.


32. Ang moh / guai loh / mat salleh


What it means: A widely-used term that refers to “white people”, or Caucasians. The words ang moh and guai loh are commonly used among the Chinese community, and mat salleh among Malays and Indians.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: I saw a lot of ang moh / mat salleh in Langkawi.
You: Yeah, they love coming here during the holidays!


33. Mantap


What it means: Mantap means “great” and is popularly used among Malaysians online to give a thumbs up to something that amuses or impresses them.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: That cafe regularly gives food to stray dogs.
You: Mantap!


34. Cincai


What it means: To do something carelessly.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: How did you finish your assignment so quickly?
You: I cincai only.


35. Jom


What it means: Jom is a word commonly used among Malaysians to say “let’s”. It’s often paired with an action, but can be used on its own to loosely mean “let’s go”.

Used in a sentence: 

Friend: Let’s go ride ATVs in Cameron Highlands.
You: Jom.

Jom


Malaysian slang words that only locals know


If you’re Malaysian, we bet you’ve sprinkled these slang words into countless conversations. It goes to show the vibrant ways through which we express ourselves, which makes us truly Malaysian.

You might also enjoy getting to know more about Malaysian culture with this guide of popular traditional herbal remedies and this 13 unique Guinness World Records held by Malaysia.


Cover image adapted from: X