Singapore’s Linguistic Flavor: New Words Added to Oxford English Dictionary

In a vibrant nod to the cultural and linguistic tapestry of Singapore and Malaysia, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has welcomed a host of new terms in its latest March 2025 update. From the colloquial exclamation “alamak” to the beloved dish “nasi lemak,” these additions reflect the rich blend of languages and flavors that define the region. This recognition underscores the global influence of Singapore English and Malay cuisine, bringing untranslatable expressions and culinary delights to an international audience.

A Linguistic Melting Pot

The inclusion of words like “alamak,” a Malay term used to express surprise or dismay since its earliest recorded use in 1952, highlights the unique colloquialisms that pepper everyday conversations in Singapore and Malaysia. The OED notes that such terms are often untranslatable, carrying cultural nuances that defy direct equivalents in English. Alongside “alamak,” the dictionary has embraced “tapau,” a term for packing food to take away, and “terror,” a versatile slang word that can mean both “terrible” and “excellent,” often used with the emphatic “wah” and “lah” as in “Wah! So terror lah.”

These linguistic gems are not new to locals, but their entry into the OED marks a significant moment of global recognition. It builds on previous updates, such as the 2016 addition of 19 Singapore English terms including “blur,” “ang moh,” and “shiok,” as well as the 2015 highlight of “kiasu” as the OED’s Word of the Day. This ongoing integration showcases how Singapore’s multilingual environment—where English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil coexist—continues to shape global lexicons.

Culinary Terms Take Center Stage

Beyond slang, the update celebrates the region’s culinary heritage with the inclusion of iconic dishes. “Nasi lemak,” a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and often served with sambal, anchovies, and peanuts, joins the dictionary as a staple of Malay cuisine. Similarly, “kaya toast”—a beloved Singaporean breakfast of toasted bread spread with coconut jam—and “half-boiled egg” have earned their place, reflecting the city-state’s hawker culture. Other additions like “ketupat,” a rice cake boiled in woven palm leaves, and “otak-otak,” a spiced seafood mixture wrapped in banana leaves and grilled, further illustrate the diversity of flavors in the region.

Even dishes with Anglicized names, such as “fish head curry” and “steamboat,” have been recognized, pointing to the fusion of cultural influences in local food scenes. These entries not only document culinary traditions but also serve as a bridge for international readers to explore the region’s gastronomic identity.

Global Words, Local Roots

The OED’s update isn’t limited to Southeast Asia. Words from other corners of the world, such as South Africa’s “Yoh!”—an exclamation of surprise or admiration—and the Filipino term “gigil,” which captures the overwhelming urge to pinch something adorable, have also been added. This global scope highlights the dictionary’s commitment to documenting linguistic diversity, yet the spotlight on Singapore and Malaysia feels particularly poignant given the region’s compact yet profoundly multicultural landscape.

For Singaporeans, seeing their everyday language and food enshrined in the OED is a source of pride. It validates the unique identity of Singapore English, often affectionately termed “Singlish,” as a legitimate and evolving dialect. Social media reactions, particularly on platforms like X, have been overwhelmingly positive, with users celebrating the global acknowledgment of terms that define their daily lives.

A Cultural Milestone

The addition of these words and dishes to the OED is more than a linguistic update; it’s a cultural milestone. It reflects how language evolves through migration, trade, and interaction, encapsulating the history of Singapore and Malaysia as crossroads of Southeast Asia. From the Malay Peninsula to the bustling streets of Singapore, these terms carry stories of community, resilience, and adaptation.

As the world becomes more interconnected, such recognitions remind us of the power of language to unite and educate. Whether it’s exclaiming “alamak” at a surprising turn of events or savoring a plate of nasi lemak, these words and flavors offer a taste of Singapore’s soul to a global audience. For now, locals and linguists alike can revel in this celebration of their heritage, a small but meaningful step in sharing their culture with the world.