Singaporean Mandarin Database
This database contains a collection of Mandarin terms which have cultural, historical or sentimental value unique to Singapore. These terms may be used by Singaporeans in the past or at present. Some of the terms are read in print while others are used in our everyday conversations.
afraid of losing to others (colloquially known as kiasu)
caucasians / westerners (colloquially known as ang mo)
Chinese, Malay, and Indian
Chingay Parade
妆艺大游行
zhuāng yì dà yóu xíng
good brothers (supernatural spirits)
Gurkha Contingent
辜加警察团
gū jiā jĭng chá tuán
police (colloquially known as mata, derived from mata-mata)
samsui women (red headscarf)
Selat (old term to refer to Singapore)