With the various languages that comes from the diverse culture and population of Malaysia, we needless to say, have developed an unofficial language known as ‘Manglish’. Having a unique blend and slang of various words from the languages spoken in Malaysia such as English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil, it can sometimes result in a single sentence containing three languages! Travellers coming to Malaysia often get confused, but here are some of the most popular slang words to start your journey into this creative and amusing language.   

1. Lah 

The infamous and ultimate Malaysian slang word, ‘lah’ is added to the end of practically any sentence - you can’t go wrong. The word itself doesn’t really mean anything. We use it to spice up our sentences and emphasize what we’re trying to say. It also makes you sound more friendly and convincing. Use it correctly and you’ll immediately sound like a Malaysian.

Examples: “Ok lah.” / “No lah.” / “I’m so hungry lah.”

2. Jom 

A popular catchphrase that came from the Malay language, it just means ‘let’s’ or ‘let’s go’. Although it’s Malay, the term is widely used and shared amongst all races. It’s mostly used as an invitation.

Examples: “Guys, Maroon 5 is coming to Malaysia - jom?” / “Do you have plans tonight? Jom dinner together!”

3. Yum Cha 

The word is derived from the Cantonese language and its literal translation is ‘drink tea’. And of course, we Malaysians have taken the word and evolved it into something else. To us, ‘yum cha’ means ‘to hang out’.

Examples: “Want to go yum cha?” / “How about we catch up over a yum cha session?”

4. Boss 

This might be a strange one for some. You will hear this term said a lot at a restaurant or more commonly in a ‘mamak’ by both customers and waiters. Waiters will refer to their customers as ‘boss’ but customers too will shout out ‘boss’ when trying to get the waiter's attention. I mean, who doesn’t like being called ‘boss’ for a little pick me up, huh?

Examples: “Boss! Teh tarik satu!” / “Ok boss!”

5. Ang Moh / Guai Lou / Mat Salleh 

All of which is used to describe Caucasian people. ‘Ang Moh’ and ‘Guai Lou’ is more often used by the Chinese whilst ‘Mat Salleh’ is more popular among the Malays and Indians.

Examples: “Look! That guai lou is using his hands to eat like a true Malaysian!’ / “Eh check out that mat salleh over there, so handsome!”

6. Walao / Walao-eh 

A slang word used to describe disbelief or a feeling of surprise. It can also be used to express your annoyance towards something or someone. The closest English term to it is ‘OMG’. Just like ‘OMG’, ‘walao’ doesn’t necessarily have to be used in a full sentence and can mean different things depending on how it’s pronounced.

Examples: “Walao! AirAsia is giving away free flights!” / “Walao-eh, how can he be so stupid?”

7. Tapao / Bungkus 

Now, this is a really handy slang to remember. If you’re eating in a restaurant and would like to pack your food to go, this is the word to use. The two words mean the same thing except ‘tapao’ is Cantonese while ‘bungkus’ is Malay. Both can be used anywhere as everybody understands them - living in a multicultural country does have its perks. You can literally walk into an Indian restaurant and ask the waiter to ‘tapao’ your food.

Examples: “Eh bro, can you help me tapao one roti canai?” / “Boss, tapau nasi lemak satu!”

8. Aunty / Uncle 

We Asians are very big into respecting our elders no matter if they are related to us or not. We refer to anybody older than us as ‘aunty’ or ‘uncle’ and almost never call them using their first name unless requested. Even then, it would feel really weird, so we just stick to ‘aunty’ and ‘uncle’. No matter if they’re friends of our parents or even the people serving you food at hawker stalls.

Examples: “Oh hi aunty, long time no see!” / “Uncle, how have you been?”

Learn it, memorize it and use it on your next trip to Malaysia. You’ll be earning all the street cred and blending in like a local! 

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