How to speak Manglish like a local

Say what? Manglish? What's that?

"Manglish" is known as Malaysian English and is conversed among Malaysians on a daily basis. So you say "Oh, I speak English as well! I don't think there's any different eh?" Now here's where you're wrong. Malaysians speaks Malaysian English, but it consists of a lot of Malaysian slangs and vocabulary and not every English speakers is able to understand. Here's why. Malaysia consist of 3 main races- Malay, Chinese and Indian and we always "campur" (mix) all of our languages together when we speak. Continue reading to learn how to Manglish so you can speak like a local when you visit Malaysia :)

1. Lah/ Leh/ Lo and etc

This is the ultimate slang to Malaysian language. First of all, Malaysian uses a lot of words to emphasize the message they wanna say, such as "lah", "hah" "meh" and etc. It's just the way they speak. You don't say that you had a Malaysian conversation if you had never encounter these terms. Refer to the image above on how to use these terms.

2. Yumcha

The word Yumcha originates from the Cantonese language. If you break down the words itself, it means to drink tea. In this context, Malaysian uses "Yumcha" to ask someone to hang out over beverage. Here's how you can use it. "Hey! Do you wanna go yumcha?"

3. Walau Eh

"Walau Eh" is an exclamation used to express frustration and also shocked emotions. The meaning differs based on delivery and tone. It could be surprised or to express an angry statement.

Credits: memegenerator

4. Bojio

It is usually used by a person who's left out in an invitation. The word "bojio" originates from the Hokkien language, meaning never invite. For example, when you invited a friend to go "Yumcha" but you did not invited your other friend to join you all, don't be surprise when your Malaysian friend say "Why you bojio".

5. Tapao/ Bungkus

This two terms refers to the same meaning - take away. These terms will come in handy if you want to do a take away in Malaysia. "Tapao" (Cantonese) and "Bungkus" (Malay) is commonly used when you want to order food-to-go.

6. GG

Some gamers might recognize this term as "Good Game", but Malaysians uses this term to describe a bad situation or a situation that does not goes in their favor.

Credits: Ameba

7. Abuthen

This term is often used to expressed frustration on an obvious statement. It is also a short form of "Ah, but then" which also indicates "what do you expect then". Malaysians often uses this when someone asked a question with an obvious answer.

8. Lenglui/ Lengzai

"Lenglui" or "Lengzai" originates from the Cantonese language, for "Lenglui" is used to praise a beautiful girl and "Lengzai" to praise a handsome boy. As in the Malaysian context, it is very often used to grab someone's attention, especially among sales person.

9. Belanja

It's a Malay word that you can use with the term "Yumcha". It means they've got it covered for you or that it's on their treat. So when someone ask you to go "Yumcha" and insist that they will "belanja" you, be grateful!

10. Mamak

Finally, "Mamak", the term that goes well with "Yumcha" as well. Malaysian usually ask someone out by saying: "Hey, do you wanna go Yumcha at mamak?". The term Mamak means a local hawker stall and Malaysians often have their hang out session there.

With all these Malaysian slangs and terms, I'm sure you're able to communicate with Malaysians like a local! Let me know what you think in the comment section or leave me a message! Also, check out my video where I ask my Australians some Manglish!

#Manglish