Welcome to Singapore — a city where you can savour Michelin-starred chicken rice at a hawker centre, hear five languages in five minutes, and spot global icons like Taylor Swift and Bill Gates embracing local culture.

For expats new to Singapore, one of the most entertaining parts of settling in is mastering Singlish — Singapore’s signature slang. A mash-up of English, Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Tamil, Singlish is more than just a dialect. It’s the heartbeat of local humour, food culture, and everyday expression.

And now, with “alamak” and “tapau” added to the Oxford English Dictionary, Singlish is officially world-famous — lah.

Why Should Expats Care About Singlish?

Because it’s everywhere. Whether you’re at a meeting, buying kopi from the uncle at the hawker stall, or getting directions to Lau Pa Sat, Singlish is how Singaporeans keep things efficient, expressive, and uniquely local.

Even global superstars are catching on:

• 🎤 Taylor Swift, during her Eras Tour in Singapore in 2024, reportedly included Singlish words like “lah” and “alamak” during backstage banter.
• 🍜 Lady Gaga was famously spotted having chicken rice at Maxwell Food Centre, a local favourite for office crowds.
• 💼 Bill Gates? During his 2025 visit to Singapore for the Philanthropy Asia Summit, he was seen at Newton Food Centre indulging in local delights like chicken rice, satay, and even durian. His reaction to the "King of Fruits" was captured in a viral video, showcasing his adventurous palate.

Top 10 Singlish Words You Confirm Plus Chop Need to Know

A Crash Course in Local Life Through Language

1. Ordering Food Like a Local

Want kopi-c kosong? Or mee rebus with extra sambal? Understanding Singlish and hawker lingo helps you order food like a pro. Singapore’s hawker culture is UNESCO-listed — and full of flavour, fun, and friendly banter.

2. Office Banter & Bonding

Singlish isn't just casual chatter. A well-timed “alamak” in the office can break the ice or lighten the mood. Just remember — keep it professional when needed, but don't be afraid to sprinkle it in when the moment calls.

3. Fitting In (Even if You’re Not Local)

You don’t need to be born in Singapore to enjoy Singlish. Trying it out shows openness, humour, and cultural appreciation. Just be mindful — using it naturally is better than overdoing it for laughs.

Conclusion: Steady Lah, You’ll Be Fine

Singlish is a rite of passage for anyone working or living in Singapore. It reflects the country’s blend of tradition and modernity, East and West, seriousness and sass. Learning Singlish isn’t just about vocabulary — it’s about understanding the soul of Singapore.

At Reeracoen, a leading recruitment agency in Singapore and across APAC, we believe that embracing local language and culture is key to thriving in any new work environment. So go ahead — order that kopi, chope that table, and when things don’t go your way?

Just say: “Alamak… but never mind lah.”

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References

1. TimeOut Singapore – Alamak and Tapau added to Oxford English Dictionary

2. HSBC – A Beginner’s Guide to Singlish

3. Expat Living – How to Speak Singlish

4. Wikipedia – Kiasu

5. Tatler Asia – Lady Gaga eats at Maxwell Food Centre

6. CNA Lifestyle – Bill Gates seen eating durian, chicken rice, satay and more at Singapore's Newton Food Centre

7. Mothership – Bill Gates spotted savouring chicken rice, satay & durians at Newton Food Centre