Singapore may be small, but its local language—Singlish—is big on personality. As an ESSEC Asia-Pacific student, you’ll hear Singlish all around you: in the kopitiam (coffee shop), the classroom, and even corporate boardrooms.

But what exactly is Singlish? And how can you decode it without getting lost in translation? Let’s break it down—with real-life examples from campus and beyond.

1. ‘Lah’ – The National Suffix

What it means: It doesn’t mean anything. But it means everything.
‘Lah’ adds emphasis, emotion, or casual flair to a sentence.

• “Don’t worry lah.” → Relax, it’s no big deal.
• “Okay lah.” → It’s fine, but I’m not super excited.
• “Can lah!” → Sure, no problem.

Real-life example:
After a group project presentation, a local classmate might say, “Not bad, lah. We did quite okay.” It’s their way of saying, “Nice job,” but in the chillest tone possible.

2. ‘Can’ – The Word of Infinite Agreement

What it means: Yes. Possible. Okay. Done.

• “Can or not?” → Is it possible?
• “Sure can!” → Absolutely.
• “Cannot leh…” → Nope, sorry.

Real-life example:
You ask a staff member at an event, “Can I enter early?”
Response: “Can, can.”
Translation: “Yes, go ahead.”

3. ‘Leh’, ‘Lor’, and ‘Meh’ – Mood Modifiers

These small words add tone to what you’re saying:

• ‘Leh’ softens a request: “Don’t do that leh…”
• ‘Lor’ adds resignation: “Like that lor.” (It is what it is.)
• ‘Meh’ signals doubt: “Really meh?” (Are you sure?)

Real-life example:
During a masterclass Q&A, one student whispers to another, “This speaker quite funny leh.” It’s a casual compliment with a local twist.

4. Kopi – More Than Just Coffee

Singaporeans take their kopi (coffee) seriously, and the lingo is almost a language of its own.

• Kopi O → Black coffee with sugar
• Kopi C → Coffee with evaporated milk
• Kopi Siew Dai → Less sugar
• Kopi Gao → Extra strong

Real-life example:
At a hawker centre near campus, a classmate might order: “Kopi C siew dai, takeaway.” It’s like ordering a custom coffee drink—just with three syllables.

Mastering kopi lingo is a rite of passage, and a fun way to bond with locals over breakfast or late-night study breaks.

5. Mixing It All Up

Singlish isn’t just about the words—it’s about rhythm and attitude. You’ll often hear:
“Can lah, don’t stress. Just do like that lor.” It sounds like casual slang, but it’s a full conversation packed into one line.

Why It Matters at ESSEC

At ESSEC Asia-Pacific, Singlish is a cultural bridge. Whether working on a group project, attending a networking event, or joking around with campus staff, understanding these expressions helps you connect naturally with local students and professionals. Plus, it shows you’re open to the local culture, which goes a long way.

Don’t Force It Lah

You don’t need to speak Singlish to fit in. Just being aware of it helps you better understand the nuances of local conversation. But hey, if you accidentally drop a ‘lah’ here or there? Can lah.

Image Source: Order Kopi Guide