You probably do not want to read this book

YOU PROBABLY DO NOT WANT TO READ THIS BOOK Peculiarly

Uniquely

Truly

Malaysian

You should though.

Hello, glad you did anyway!

PECULIARLY, UNIQUELY TRULY MALAYSIAN

Dedicated to those who enthusiastically wonder the more fascinating side of Malaysia.

As a multiracial country, the richness of culture in Malaysia is indisputable.

They are excitingly enthralling when experienced individually, but even more intriguing when mixed.

This book will briefly guide you through some of the most peculiar practices, mostly resulted from the

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amazing blend of cultures, that most Malaysians have to offer. From daily conversation to food packaging to strange beliefs, they are what that makes Malaysia truly unique. Beware though, for they can be contagious when mishandled!

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SUBJECT

The Infamous Manglish

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The Infamous Manglish

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Living in such kaleidoscopic country that is extremely rich in cultures, it is not hard for Malaysians to come to realize that some kind of mixed language has to be established in order to communicate with one another.

Thus Manglish, also known as rojak or bahasa rojak, consisting words originating from English, Malay, Hokkien, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, is manifested.

The Infamous Manglish

MALAYSIANS ARE SKILLED COMMUNICATORS.

NOUNS

The Infamous Manglish

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Outstation Out of town.

Terrer

(Pronounced as the English “terror”) Refers to someone or something being awesomely amazing or good.

Mempersiasuikan Disgraceful, derived from hokkien “siasui” + malay.

Chop

Stamp (also used as verb). From Malay ‘cop’ meaning stamp.

Maluation

Embarrassment, from Malay “malu” + English “-ation”.

Mamak

From the term mamak (a slang for Indian or Indian Muslims), it is used to refer to Indian Muslim restaurants in Malaysia.

Action/eskyen

Show-offy. (due to confusion of the usage of the Malay word “berlagak”, which can either mean show off or to act)

Aiksy/lan si

Arrogant, overconfident. ‘Aiksy’ possibly derived from ‘acting up’; ‘lan si’ is of Cantonese origin.

Cincai

Casually, simply, doing things as one pleases.

Slumber

Relaxed, laid-back; possibly a conflation of the Malay “selamba”, meaning nonchalant, and the English “slumber”.

Pai-Seh

Ashamed, embarrassed/embarrassing. ‘pai seh’ is of Hokkien origin.

Noob

Useless, lousy or incompetent. It is usable in every situation or noun, even for non-living object. It contrast with its original slang term noob, which means novice or newcomer, or somebody inexperienced in any profession or activity.

The Infamous Manglish

ADJECTIVES

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THE “LAH” WORD

The Infamous Manglish

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The ubiquitous word ‘lah’, used at the end of a sentence, can also be described as a particle that simultaneously asserts a position and entices solidarity. Note that ‘lah’ is often written after a comma for clarity, but there is never a pause before it.

This is because in the original Malay, ‘lah’ is appended to the end of the word and is not a separate word by itself.

In Malay, ‘lah’ is used to change a verb into a command or to soften its tone, particularly when usage of the verb may seem impolite. For example, “to drink” is “minum”, but “Here, drink!” is “minumlah”. Similarly, ‘lah’ is frequently used with imperatives in Singlish, such as the command, “Drink, lah!”

(Come on, drink!). ‘Lah’ also occurs frequently with “Yah” and “No” (hence “Yah lah” and “No lah”), resulting in a less brusque sound, thus facilitating the flow of conversation. This form is more used by Chinese in Malaysia.

Lah is often used with brusque, short, negative responses.

* Don’t have, lah!

Lah is also used for reassurance.

** Don’t worry, he can do it one lah!

Lah can also be used to emphasize items in a spoken list, appearing after each item in the list.

They got sell Nasi Lemak lah, Roti Canai lah, Chapatti lah; Everything got lah!

Although lah can appear nearly anywhere, it cannot appear with a yes-no question. Another particle should be used instead.

Where are you ar?

The Chinese influence in Manglish, however, can be seen among other races in Malaysia, especially when conversing with Chinese-speaking people. This principle can be generally applied to all forms of non-standard English spoken in Malaysia.

‘Meh’ is also a common ubiquitous word that used at the end of a question. It is usually used with a sense of confidence in his or her own statement but the hint of doubt towards the other person.

I like her, can not meh?”

Many of these terms are spoken by a very wide range of Singaporeans, Malaysians and Chinese locals

* Brusque response to, “Lend me some money, can?” ** Don’t worry, he can get it done.

The Infamous Manglish

“MEH” “AR”

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VERBS

The Infamous Manglish

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Gostan

Reverse a vehicle, apparently from the nautical term “go astern” (mostly used in Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Penang) or “go stunt”. Sometimes also expressed as “gostan balik” (lit., reverse back).

Siam

To avoid (e.g. Boss is coming. I siam first.)

Kantoi

To get caught. (e.g. I kena kantoi means, “I got shafted/reprimanded/caught”.)

Yam-cha

Socializing with friends usually in “mamak stalls”, but other places also apply. Generally identifies with “go have a drink”.

Derived from the “Yum Cha” used in Cantonese.

Tumpang-ing

Riding in someone else’s vehicle or lodging at someone else’s house, from the Malay verb “tumpang” + “-ing”

Best/Syok

Indicates the object as superlatively good. “Syok” is from the Hokkien word for pleasure. (syok is also a chain of novelty shops, although it could also be possible that the word stems from the English word “shock” in the context of seeing something shocking).

Cehwah/Fuyoh/ Fulamak/Aiseh Exclamation of amazement/wonder/marvel.

Walao/Waliao eh Also an exclamation of amazement/wonder/marvel.

Wakao!/Kao!

Exclamation of usually utter shock but at times amazement as well, depending on the tone, situation and context of speech. It is largely similar to “shit!/oh shit!/Holy shit!” commonly used in the United States.

Izzit?

Expression of mild unbelief. (from the word, “Is that so?”).

The Infamous Manglish

EXCLAMATIONS

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SUBJECT

The Temporary Garbage Bin

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The Temporary Garbage Bin

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Who would ever think of fixing a garbage bag to four legs of a chair to form a ‘garbage bin’? Malaysians would. Equipped with the ability of combining two or more seemingly impossibly compatible objects together to give shape to something unexpectedly functional, Malaysians have proven to be extremely creative when it comes to leading an easier and more convenient life.

Kudos to fellow Malaysians!

The Temporary Garbage Bin

MALAYSIANS ARE GIFTED INNOVATORS.

The Temporary Garbage Bin

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The Temporary Garbage Bin

METAL STOOL

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PLASTIC CHAIR

The Temporary Garbage Bin

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The Temporary Garbage Bin

WOODEN CHAIR

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SUBJECT

The Fast and Furious

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The Fast and Furious

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Originally a practice by the Chinese, taking advantage of someone’s misfortune or more recently the happy events for a lottery number, is soon picked up by all other races. Those numbers are believed to be able to bring them a windfall. Despite an unidentified source of belief, it is no longer a strange practice in Malaysia, considering how often a dreadful traffic is resulted due to people slowing down their vehicles for a chance of great fortune.

The Fast and Furious

MALAYSIANS ARE GREAT OPPORTUNISTS.

The Fast and Furious

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The Fast and Furious

WHEN WITNESSED A CAR ACCIDENT

The Fast and Furious

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AT WEDDING DINNER OR HAPPY EVENTS

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The Fast and Furious

ON THE BODY OF DOMESTIC PETS

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SUBJECT

The More The Merrier

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The More The Merrier

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Malaysians like hanging out with friends, often in a considerably big group. A bigger group means a bigger table and more seats to have everybody circled around.

But how do you get a group of, let say 15 people to sit around a table? No worries, most local restaurants are aware of the consequences and always have extra tables ready. All you need to do is to carry the extra tables that you need and locate them one next to another and voila!

Now everyone can sit closely together and have a great chat and story-sharing session.

The More The Merrier

MALAYSIANS ARE AMAZING FRIENDS.

The More The Merrier

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TOO MANY FRIENDS?

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The More The Merrier

NOT GETTING ENOUGH TABLES?

The More The Merrier

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CARRY LOCATE UNFOLD

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CONNECT! JOIN THE FUN! The More The Merrier

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SUBJECT

The Slipper Invasion

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The Slipper Invasion

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You see Malaysians wear slippers everywhere. Be it out of overflowing personal confidence or high flexibility in style, it is ubiquitous in almost every occasion. Some claim that it is merely an expression of individual style, though many think it is a disrespect. Either way, Malaysians in slippers are still widely seen in the local fashion scenes. If it is unavoidable, why not join the tribe? Just kidding.

The Slipper Invasion

MALAYSIANS ARE ADAPTIVE TRENDSETTERS

The Slipper Invasion

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The Slipper Invasion

IN THE SHOPPING MALL

The Slipper Invasion

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IN THE WORKING OFFICE

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The Slipper Invasion

WITHIN THE SCHOOL CAMPUS

The Slipper Invasion

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IN THE WET MARKET

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The Slipper Invasion

ON THE RUNNING TRACK

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SUBJECT

The Redundant Questions

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The Redundant Questions

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Malaysians are obviously fans of redundancy. Either for double confirmation or they just simply cannot wrap their head around a particular situation, they always ask questions that state the obvious. You sometimes cannot help but wonder if that was intentionally done to mock or insult and in response comes dripping sarcasms.

But most of the time, it is simply boredom and lacking of a kickstart of a conversation. “Come on, wasn’t that obvious?”

The Redundant Questions

MALAYSIANS ARE NATURALLY INQUISITIVE.

The Redundant Questions

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ABUD

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Similar to “duh!”, a sound used to imitate a mentally retarded person as an answer to an obvious remark or question. The person using “duh” is thereby sarcastically indicating that he/she is not retarded and the forgoing remark or question is obvious to him/her.

The Redundant Questions

DEN?!

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Upon completion of a meal.

“Hey, have you eaten?”

“No lah, the table had though.”

Come to school with a new hairstyle.

“You cut your hair ar?”

The Redundant Questions

“No lah, it caught fire last night.”

Entering a place, completely soaked.

“Is it raining out there?”

“No lah, everybody just decided to spit on me.”

Watering plants in the morning.

“Good morning auntie!

Watering plants ar?

“No lah, I am bathing the caterpillars.”

Picking up phone call at home.

“Hey, bro! Where are you?

At home ar?

“No lah, I am in your room.”

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Watching football match with buddies.

“Watching football ar?”

“No lah, watching Twilight for the third times.”

At the platform, waiting for train.

“Hi, waiting for train?”

“No lah, I am waiting for my private jet.”

“Hey how are you? Walking the dogs?”

“No lah, those are frogs.”

Crying in a corner.

“Hey, are you crying?”

“No lah, I am cleaning up my face with my tears.”

Finally showing up during outing with friends.

“You are here already?!”

“No lah, I am just an illusion.”

The Redundant Questions

In the park, walking dogs.

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SUBJECT

Delicious Peculiarity

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Delicious Peculiarity

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It is amazing what Malaysians can do when it comes to food packaging. Using some of the most seemingly bizarre objects like recycled newspaper and plastic bags, local delicacies can be taken away more conveniently than expected. Cost-saving, environmentally friendly (though not entirely because plastic bags are used at time), time-efficient are the major qualities of such peculiarity.

Delicious Peculiarity

MALAYSIANS ARE PACKAGING CREATIVES.

INSTEAD OF USING A PAPER CUP, EITHER HOT OR COLD DRINK IS BEING TAKEN AWAY IN

Delicious Peculiarity

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Delicious Peculiarity

A PLASTIC BAG ECCENTRICALLY TIED WITH A PLASTIC STRING.

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LOCAL DELICACIES SOLD AT THE HAWKER STALLS ARE USUALLY PACKED IN PLASTIC BAG

Delicious Peculiarity

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Delicious Peculiarity

TIED WITH A PLASTIC STRING, TEMPTING THE ONLOOKERS WITH ITS HEAVENLY APPEARANCE.

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YOU WILL BE SURPRISED HOW ONLY A PIECE OF NEWSPAPER AND A RUBBER BAND,HOLD SOME

Delicious Peculiarity

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Delicious Peculiarity

OF THE BEST FOOD IN TOWN. NEVER JUDGE THE TASTE OF FOOD BY ITS PACKAGING.

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INSIDE, MOUTHWATERING LOCAL GOODS AWAITS YOUR CONSUMPTION.

Delicious Peculiarity

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Delicious Peculiarity

ENJOY THE REAL TANTALIZING MALAYSIAN CUISINE!

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Weird but true, these peculiar practices have somehow metamorphosed itself into one of the most significant cultural flavors of Malaysia. They are now an indispensable part of a typical Malaysian’s life. In fact, Malaysians have been living these strange acts to such extend that it is no longer

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unfamiliar to most people here. Now an self-integrated identity of Malaysia, all these weird practices may one day be completely common locally and internationally, and is believed to be able to forge a even more distinct Malaysia’s identity which make Malaysia truly unique.

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