16 words that have a different meaning in Singapore than anywhere else

Elsewhere: "Look! There are so many birds in the sky!"

In Singapore: "Don’t talk about your bird bird in public."

Meaning: A male’s genitals. 

Elsewhere: "Do you need help?"

In Singapore: "The chicken rice stall is taking forever. Help lah."

Meaning: To express distress or displeasure. 

Elsewhere: "Have you got something on tonight?"

In Singapore: "Next week we go and eat steamboat. You on or not?"

Meaning: To be sure or give confirmation about something.

Elsewhere: "I cut off all the circuit breakers in the house but I can still hear a buzzing sound."

In Singapore: "I tell police you go to your boyfriend's house during circuit breaker!"

Meaning: A prolonged period of mostly staying indoors, not socialising and abiding by a set of rules for everyone's safety.

Elsewhere: "You need to step up if you want that promotion."

In Singapore: "Don't step like you social justice warrior, yesterday you queued for bubble tea till closing time."

Meaning: To pretend, be someone you're not.

Elsewhere: "I don't remember much about the event. I had too much to drink so everything was a blur."

In Singapore: "He's so damn blur, I told him to do it so many times already!"

Meaning: Dim-witted, birdbrained 

Elsewhere: "We need to take action if we want to see change."

In Singapore: "Don't so action, can? Just cos you from elite school no need to flex your English so much."

Meaning: To show off, be arrogant or haughty.

Elsewhere: "So what's happening in the city this weekend?"

In Singapore: "The new restaurant at Ann Siang damn happening, got DJ on some nights."

Meaning: Cool, exciting or wild. 

Elsewhere: "The money will revert back to the general funds if not claimed by today."

In Singapore: "Hi there, please revert my email. Thanks."

Meaning: To reply or respond

Elsewhere: "Cock it and pull it."

In Singapore: "Damn cock, I kena fine for parking illegally for just one minute."

Meaning: To screw up or make a mess

Elsewhere: "We had Mexican food for dinner the last time we ate out."

In Singapore: "Last time my parents stay in kampong in Malaysia."

Meaning: Long, loooooong ago.

Elsewhere: "Can you handle this while I'm gone?"

In Singapore: "You want me to handle for you? Sure can one."

Meaning: Another word for yes. 

Elsewhere: "Careful when driving, you don't want to die in an accident."

In Singapore: "She's so stubborn! Already know cannot but die die want to try!"

Meaning: Desperation and stubbornness.

Elsewhere: "Steady, hold your balance."

In Singapore: "Wah you still on diet ah? Steady!" or "Want to go steady with me?"

Meaning: A compliment, like 'awesome!' or also another word for boyfriend/girlfriend.

Elsewhere: "Let's some toast for breakfast."

In Singapore: "What you want for breakfast ah? Nasi lemak, prata, kaya toast, mee siam, mee rebus or fried carrot cake?"

Meaning: The first meal you take for the day which contains all food groups and dishes. Everything is breakfast food. 

Elsewhere: "I've got to go, see you again next week."

In Singapore: "Where got say? Don't anyhow fake news hor."

Meaning: Used with an element of denial or defensiveness.