How can you use ‘Quick lah’ without sounding extra or getting judged?
Ah, ‘Quick lah’—our beloved battle cry for action, urgency, and maybe a little bit of sass. But let’s be honest, using it wrongly will either make your friends wince or worse, question your Singapore passport status. Quick lah usage in Singapore requires finesse, not force. So how do we sprinkle it like ikan bilis on nasi lemak? Not too much, not too fake—just enough to show you get the flavour of Singlish without turning every sentence into a language quiz.
TL;DR: How to Use ‘Quick lah’ Like a Pro
- ‘Quick lah’ is a uniquely Singaporean Singlish phrase expressing impatience, urgency, or a gentle shove to hurry someone.
- Use it with people you’re familiar with—it’s casual and implies camaraderie.
- Avoid using it in formal or professional settings—unless your boss is your buddy.
- Master the tone: too harsh sounds demanding, too soft sounds unsure.
- Great to pair with action: “Quick lah, the bus coming already!” or “Quick lah, before the satay finish!”
Benefits of Learning Singlish
Let’s get this out of the way: Singlish is not broken English. It’s the linguistic version of your grandma’s kaya toast—homemade, layered, and absolutely shiok. Understanding Singaporean slang isn’t just about sounding local, it’s about connecting. When you master Singlish phrases like ‘Quick lah’, you signal trust, familiarity, and above all, identity.
In social settings, especially among Singaporean Gen Zs, Singlish is a badge of belonging. You drop a ‘lah’ at the right beat and suddenly, you’re not just a friend—you’re family. It’s like insider language, a verbal secret handshake we all share over kopitiam talk and MRT rides.
Plus, it’s efficient. Why say “Can you please hurry up, we’re going to miss the movie” when you could simply say, “Quick lah, miss already then how?”
Quick lah 101: How to Use It Correctly
First up, let’s break down the anatomy of ‘Quick lah’:
- Quick: Just what it says—be fast, act now, hurry up.
- Lah: The seasoning. It softens or emphasizes the tone, depending on how you wield it.
Put them together and you get a wonderfully Singaporean way to say, “Get moving, don’t waste time.” This essential element of understanding Singaporean slang can sound urgent-but-friendly or impatient-but-lovable, depending on inflection, relationship, and context.
Some classic use cases for Quick lah usage in Singapore:
- With friends: “You still there ah? Quick lah, the show start already!”
- With siblings: “Quick lah, Ma waiting downstairs leh.”
- Group chat mode: “Quick lah, someone book the karaoke room before sold out lor.”
But remember, Singlish thrives on context. You say ‘Quick lah’ to your lecturer, and that’s not a Singlish fail—that’s just career suicide.
Incorporating ‘Quick lah’ in Conversations
Learning how to use lah, leh, and lor is a lot like mastering the clutch—awkward at first, then effortlessly smooth.
The best ways to use ‘Quick lah’ with friends?
- When the squad take forever to decide: “Quick lah, just go Astons again lah. Settle.”
- When everyone late: “Quick lah, your Grab arrive already.”
- When ordering food: “Quick lah, auntie getting annoyed already.”
- Gaming moments: “Quick lah, revive me can or not!”
Pro tip: Express a sense of urgency without sounding bossy—like you’re nudging your friend along, not barking an order. The way you say it (tone, expression, even hand movement) matters just as much as saying it when mastering Singlish phrases.
Navigating Social Situations with Singlish
Once you know how to use lah, leh, and lor properly, you’re in the Singlish big leagues. Here’s a quick breakdown of their vibes:
- Lah: Affirmation/emphasis – “Can lah.”
- Leh: Suggestion/slight objection – “Not like that leh.”
- Lor: Acceptance/resignation – “Up to you lor.”
And now, back to ‘Quick lah’. Use it in situations where there’s collective understanding—your tone implies you all already know what’s going down, someone’s just slow on the uptake. The social implications of Singlish run deep, and getting this right shows you understand the cultural nuances.
What’s key is emotional tempo—Singlish rides on vibe. Force it and you’ll sound like an NPC. Flow with it and boom, you’re the MC of your friendship group.
Embracing the Cultural Significance of Singlish
Some people say Singlish is low-class. I say it’s world-class—just misunderstood. Our slang didn’t grow in sterile classrooms. It bubbled up from bus stops, school canteens, HDB void decks. It’s urban poetry, lah!
Using Singlish phrases like ‘Quick lah’ isn’t about being casual—it’s about understanding the rhythm of local relationships. The social implications of Singlish connect generations, races, and even different linguistic backgrounds. Quick lah usage in Singapore represents more than just urgency—it embodies our shared cultural DNA.
It captures our national character—efficient, humorous, slightly dramatic, but forever grounded. That’s why, honestly, understanding Singaporean slang is like holding the social keys to the lion city.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I avoid using ‘Quick lah’?
Avoid using it in professional settings or with elders you are not close to. It may come across as disrespectful outside casual contexts. - Is ‘Quick lah’ rude?
Not if used appropriately! It’s cheeky but friendly when used among peers. Tone and relationship matter. - Can I change the word ‘Quick’ to something else?
Sure, but then it might not have the same iconic urgency. ‘Fast lah’ exists, but it doesn’t slap the same. - Why do Singaporeans use ‘lah’ so often?
It’s our vocable seasoning—adding emphasis, filling silence, softening commands. Not just filler, it’s flavour. - How fast do you have to be for ‘Quick lah’?
Fast enough not to frustrate your friend holding the lift. It’s not timed—but the vibe always is. - How do I practice using ‘Quick lah’ smoothly?
Hang out with local friends, notice their tone, and try it during casual hangouts. Trust your instincts.