The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially incorporated a significant number of Malaysian and Singaporean English terms into its latest update, marking a milestone for the region’s linguistic impact. In a press release issued by Oxford Languages yesterday, the institution noted that many of the new entries are rooted in Malay and Hokkien origins. This expansion highlights how localised colloquialisms have transitioned from regional dialects into the broader fabric of the global English language, reflecting the unique cultural identity of Southeast Asia.
Among the notable additions is the term “agak-agak“, which has been categorised as both a noun and a verb. The OED describes it as a method of estimation or guesswork, particularly within the culinary world. The update explains that this intuitive cooking style, where ingredients are added based on feeling rather than strict measurements, is frequently applied to iconic regional dishes such as assam laksa and ice kacang. This inclusion acknowledges the informal yet deeply rooted traditional practices that define the domestic lives of millions in Malaysia and Singapore.
Malay borrowings also feature prominently in the update, with words like “wayang” and “boleh” receiving official definitions. While “wayang” originally referred to traditional theatrical performances, the dictionary now recognises its figurative sense as a “pretence” or “false display” used to deceive. Similarly, “boleh” has been added as a verb meaning to have the capacity to succeed. The OED specifically credits the 1993 “Malaysia Boleh” marketing campaign, which supported athletes at the SEA Games, for popularising the term as a national slogan of capability and strength.
Hokkien contributions have also been formalised, with “jialat” and “kaypoh” joining the ranks of the English lexicon. “Jialat”, derived from the compound meaning “to eat strength”, is used to describe difficult or exhausting situations. Meanwhile, “kaypoh” is defined as a busybody and can function as a noun, adjective, or verb. The update also captures modern administrative evolution by including “BTO”, the initialism for Singapore’s Build-to-Order housing scheme, which has uniquely evolved into a verb used by couples to signal a serious commitment in a relationship.
The comprehensive list of new words also includes “Mat Salleh“, “play play“, and “degazette“, alongside revised entries for established terms such as “Yang di-Pertuan Agong“, “lah“, and “towkay“. Oxford Languages stated that these updates are part of a broader effort to document World Englishes, including variations from Hong Kong, the Philippines, and South Africa. This recognition by the OED serves as a formal validation of the vibrant, multilingual evolution of English as it is spoken and understood across the Malaysian and Singaporean archipelagos.
