Singapore, known for its multicultural society and unique Singlish slang, boasts a fascinating mix of profanity drawn from English, Malay, Hokkien, Tamil, and Mandarin influences. Singaporean swear words range from fiery insults to playful expressions, often spiced up with Singlish’s distinctive flavor. Whether you’re venting about MRT delays, arguing over chicken rice, or joking with friends at a hawker center, Singaporean swearing is as colorful as it is expressive. Here’s your guide to Singaporean swear words, ranked from strongest to weakest.
Singaporean Swear Words: Ranked Strongest to Weakest
The Strongest Swear Words in Singapore
1. Kanina
The Ultimate Insult
“Kanina,” short for “Kanina Bu Chow Chee Bai” (F*** your mother’s smelly p***y) in Hokkien, is one of the harshest insults in Singaporean slang. It’s extremely vulgar and offensive.
- Example:
- “Kanina, why you so slow?!”
- “Don’t be so kanina lah!”
- Pro Tip: This is the nuclear option—use it sparingly and only in extreme situations.
2. Chee Bai
The Crude Slam
“Chee Bai,” meaning “vagina” in Hokkien, is a vulgar insult often used in anger or frustration.
- Example:
- “Don’t act like a chee bai, can or not?”
- “Chee bai, what’s your problem?”
- Pro Tip: While offensive, it’s commonly thrown around in casual banter among friends.
3. Lan Jiao
The Male Counterpart
“Lan Jiao,” meaning “d***” in Hokkien, is used to insult someone’s intelligence or character.
- Example:
- “Why you so lan jiao?”
- “This is a lan jiao idea!”
- Pro Tip: Vulgar but widely used in informal settings.
Mid-Tier Singaporean Insults (Still Pack a Punch)
4. Tiu
The F*** Variant
“Tiu,” derived from Cantonese, means “f***” and is a direct insult used to express frustration.
- Example:
- “Tiu, what’s wrong with you?”
- “Don’t tiu me lah!”
- Pro Tip: Strong but not as harsh as “kanina” or “chee bai.”
5. Kanasai
The Shit Slam
“Kanasai,” meaning “like shit” in Hokkien, is a versatile insult for describing bad situations or people.
- Example:
- “This project kanasai lah!”
- “Don’t be so kanasai, okay?”
6. Siao Lang
The Crazy Fool
“Siao Lang,” meaning “crazy person” in Hokkien, is used to mock someone acting foolishly or erratically.
- Example:
- “You siao lang ah, why you do that?”
The Playful and Milder Swears
7. Kanchiong Spider
The Anxious One
“Kanchiong Spider,” meaning “an overly anxious person,” is a humorous insult for someone who’s overly eager or nervous.
- Example:
- “Why you so kanchiong spider? Chill lah.”
- Pro Tip: Often used playfully among friends.
8. Blur Like Sotong
The Clueless One
“Blur Like Sotong,” meaning “clueless like a squid,” is a mild insult for someone who’s confused or not paying attention.
- Example:
- “You blur like sotong, don’t know anything!”
9. Bo Liao
The Pointless Insult
“Bo Liao,” meaning “boring” or “pointless” in Hokkien, is often used to mock someone’s actions or behavior.
- Example:
- “Why you so bo liao, go and disturb people?”
10. Wah Lau
The All-Purpose Exclamation
“Wah Lau,” meaning “oh my gosh” or “what the hell,” is a mild and commonly used expression of frustration or surprise.
- Example:
- “Wah lau eh, why you so late?”
- “Wah lau, can you stop being so noisy?”
Honorable Mentions
- Gong Kia: “Dumb kid.”
- Pai Kia: “Gangster” or “troublemaker.”
- Chao Ah Beng: “Smelly hooligan” (used to mock uncultured behavior).
Swearing Pro Tips
- Cultural Sensitivity: Words like “kanina” and “chee bai” are extremely offensive in formal settings but commonly used informally among peers.
- Tone Is Key: Milder words like “wah lau” and “kanchiong spider” can sound playful or harsh depending on delivery.
- Mix It Up: Combine phrases for added flair—e.g., “You blur like sotong, don’t be so kanasai!”
Bonus Word: “Shiok”
Not a swear word, but quintessentially Singaporean, “shiok” means “awesome” or “enjoyable” and reflects the nation’s love of good food and good vibes.
- Example:
- “This laksa is damn shiok!”
Conclusion
Singaporean swearing is as vibrant and diverse as its culture. From the fiery “kanina” to the playful “blur like sotong,” these words capture the humor, frustration, and creativity of Singlish. Whether you’re joking with friends or venting your anger, Singaporean profanity is your toolkit. Use them wisely—and steady lah!
See Also: Czech Swear Words: Ranked Strongest to Weakest (X-Rated)
