News & Article

Face like cannot tahan — if you’ve been in Singapore long enough, you’ve definitely seen this classic expression mid-MRT ride or after someone chomps down on super spicy mala. It’s one of those golden Singlish phrases that instantly paints a picture without needing any subtitles. In this witty, culturally-jialat deep dive, we’ll explore why Singaporeans know exactly when to say face like cannot tahan — whether it’s sweaty hawker centre dramas, Zoom meetings from hell, or just watching someone queue-cut at Koufu. We’ll break down how the phrase works, the tone and expressions that go with it, the social instincts behind its usage, and most importantly… how not to kena use it wrongly. If you’ve ever wondered when to drop a sharp wah, his face like cannot tahan leh at the perfect roast-chicken timing, this one’s for you. You’ll embrace the quirks of Singlish culture, decode how such expressions give life to otherwise sian situations, and come out ready to yaya your way through daily small talk like a certified local.

In Singapore, sometimes English just doesn’t cut it lah. That’s where Singlish steps in—with words so unique, so packed with local flavour, that even the Queen’s English kena outshined. In this article, we deep dive into The Singlish Word That Says What English Can’t—words like ‘lah’, ‘shiok’, and ‘sian’—expressions that carry emotional and cultural weight that simply gets lost in translation. Our journey through the vibrant streets of Singapore’s spoken word will not only unpack the meanings and tones behind these famous Singlish expressions but also teach you how to use them like a true local. Learn the origins of Singlish, why it holds power in the fabric of our identity, and get practical tips on using these phrases in everyday conversations. Whether you’re a millennial Singaporean looking to reconnect with your rojak roots, a Gen Z trying to flex some linguistic pride, or an expat hoping to blend in better, this is your passport to understanding Singlish—and local life—better.

Want to master the fine art of dramatic Singlish? Discover the science (and sass) behind using ‘Isit’ for maximum drama in your everyday conversations. We’ll guide you through the quirks of Singaporean slang, teach you how to deliver this powerful expression effectively, and break down when ‘Isit’ transforms from a harmless reaction to a full-on dramatic mic drop. Whether you’re Gen Z or a young-at-heart millennial, understanding the tonal power and timing of this simple word can boost both your comedy chops and conversational flair. Think of this blog as your unofficial guide to hawker stall banter mastery. Dive into real-world examples, local scenarios, and cheeky Singlish expressions that will sharpen your cultural wit and language play.

‘Lor’ — a tiny, unassuming syllable — packs more punch in Singapore than chilli padi in your mee pok. In this ultimate deep-dive, we explore the true power of saying ‘lor’ in Singlish: its evolution, usage across emotional tones, and its function as the Singaporean verbal shrug, sigh, or mic drop. Perfectly at home in both casual kopi talks and office banter, ‘lor’ is more than just local slang — it’s an expression woven into Singapore’s cultural DNA. From decoding its subtle emotional cues to laughing over hilarious moments from local movies and TV shows, this guide brings you on a journey through ‘lor’ — complete with tips, tricks and how to sound like a real Singaporean. Whether you’re embracing your roots or trying to blend in better, this is your passport into the expressive essence of Singlish.