How can I use ‘I tell you first’ without sounding like a buay paiseh know-it-all?
Short Answer: To use ‘I tell you first’ like a seasoned local (and not get kenna judged by your friends), you need to understand the context, tone, and vibe of the convo. It’s not just what you say—it’s how, when, and to whom you say it.
TL;DR Summary
- ‘I tell you first’ is a cautious-disclaimer-meet-kiasu-move wrapped in Singlish flair
- Use it before revealing opinions, gossip, or plans—it frames what you’re saying as humble or reluctant
- Timing matters: Drop it casually in private settings or among trusted friends, not your boss’s face
- Avoid sounding defensive or kaypoh—match your tone with the situation
- It can signal care, concern or low-key shade depending on the context
- Don’t overuse it or you’ll sound like you’re damn extra
Understanding the Origins of ‘I Tell You First’ in Singlish
Ah yes, ‘I tell you first’—that humble line before the juicy topics start to flow. But where did this Singlish phrase come from, and why do locals say it like it’s some verbal NTUC reusable bag—always appearing when you least expect it?
Rooted deep in Singapore’s social fabric, this phrase is a product of our clash-fit-blend culture—where Asian modesty, English sentence structure, and Hokkien undertones all bo jio-ed each other to form Singlish. ‘I tell you first’ functions like a pre-emptive strike: it tells others that what you’re about to say is important, sensitive, or potentially controversial.
Think of it like the disclaimer before a TikTok story-time. It says: “Don’t say I never warn you ah,” while also suggesting, “I got conscience lah, I say first.”
In conversations, it also acts like a social safety net—telling your listener, “I’m letting you know ah, what happens next—your problem!” This makes it a perfect example of how Singlish expressions carry deeper social meaning than their literal translations.
How to Use ‘I Tell You First’ Without Getting Judged
Whether you’re in a WhatsApp groupchat, queuing for mala, or spilling low-key office gossip, here’s how you use ‘I tell you first’ and don’t end up sounding like one overdramatic uncle at kopi tiam:
1. Understand the meaning beneath the words
‘I tell you first’ is not just literal. It’s sneakily layered. This Singlish phrase can mean:
- “Don’t say I sabo you”
- “I’m saying this coz I care hor”
- “Later got drama, not my fault”
- “What I say may be sensitive… so I prewarn”
2. Best moments to drop it
You keh-kiang use too randomly, sure people judge one. Here’s when it lands best:
- Before giving constructive gossip: “Eh, I tell you first ah… she got back with her ex.”
- Before FOMO moments: “I tell you first hor, next week got 1-for-1 buffet at that place.”
- When warning about someone’s stinking attitude: “I tell you first, he like to push blame one.”
3. Know your audience leh
Confirm you can’t use this phrase in front of bosses or random PR clients. Imagine:
“I tell you first ah, this campaign confirm flop.”
No lah bro. Keep it for close friends, your clique, or your family members who don’t mind your ah beng tendencies.
The Art of Using Singlish Phrases in Conversations
Singlish is not just broken English—it’s emotionally calibrated. The art lies in knowing when to sprinkle phrases like ‘I tell you first’ like condensed milk in kopi peng. Just enough, then shiok.
1. Match Tone with Intent
If you’re saying something empathetic—like a heads-up for a friend—your tone should be sincere:
“I tell you first ah, don’t trust Jason too fast leh. He very fast hand one.”
Vs:
“I tell you first—next meeting I’m not covering your ass anymore hor.”
The second sounds more like a low-key threat than a friendly reminder (both valid, just know your tone).
2. Avoid Overuse
If you say ‘I tell you first’ every five minutes, people might avoid telling you things—scared you everything need disclaimer. It could mean:
- You’re overly anxious
- You trying to kaypoh too much
- You just want to escape responsibility later
3. Respect the Social Dynamic
In Singapore, power distance is still very real. So with older folks or formal settings, switch code lah. Don’t whip this line out at AGMs or weddings unless it’s part of humour breakout.
Real-life Examples: ‘I Tell You First’ in Action
Let’s look at how this Singlish phrase plays out in different social dynamics in Singapore:
Scenario 1: The Office Kaypoh
You: “I tell you first ah, Monday that client coming again. So better prepare your slides.”
Why it works: Friendly, proactive, and not too chao kan. You come off as helpful, not bossy.
Scenario 2: Family Drama Incoming
Your sibling: “Eh, Ma ask you to go family dinner this Sunday.”
You: “I tell you first hor, I already got plans with my friends. Don’t sabo me.”
Why it works: Reinforces boundaries while also sounding relatable.
Scenario 3: Spill the Tea
You: “Don’t say I kaypoh ah, but I tell you first… your ex is dating someone liao.”
Why it works: Balances gossip with sympathy. You’re not stabbing the person—more like applying antiseptic before wound.
Overcoming Judgment: Embracing Your Singlish Side
Let’s be real—some people judge Singlish harder than they judge otak-otak as appetizer. Especially those who think perfect English equals IQ 180. But using Singlish, including ‘I tell you first’, is not about bad grammar—it’s about cultural connection and authentic Singapore communication.
Here’s why you shouldn’t be paiseh to use Singlish phrases:
- They showcase your identity as a Singaporean
- They make conversations more expressive and warm
- They help you blend into informal or local circles naturally
So how to overcome the judgment?
1. Confidence is Key
Use the phrase naturally, not like you’re quoting Shakespeare’s cousin. Let it flow.
2. Don’t Force It
If you’re not used to it, start small. Listen how your friends use Singlish, observe the vibes, follow accordingly.
3. Accept That Being Local is Cool
Whether it’s hawker slang or heartland humour, don’t be shy to embrace Singlish. ‘I tell you first’ is your social passport to navigating life in Singapore authentically.
Final Thought: No Need to Act Foreign
At the end of the day, ‘I tell you first’ is more than a phrase—it’s an inside nod to our shared lived experiences in Singapore. When you drop it at the right moment, in the right tone, with the right intention, you’re not just avoiding judgment… you’re embracing the local heartbeat. So go ahead. I tell you first, just use it lah.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can ‘I tell you first’ be used in formal settings?
Usually not. This Singlish phrase works better in casual or familiar conversations. In formal or professional settings, it’s better to rephrase it into something more neutral.
2. Is ‘I tell you first’ considered rude or passive-aggressive?
Only if you use it with the wrong tone or to deflect blame. Otherwise, it’s seen as a friendly disclaimer in Singapore culture.
3. What’s the difference between ‘I tell you first’ and ‘Just saying’?
‘Just saying’ is often sarcastic or passive. ‘I tell you first’ is more about warning, pre-empting, or offering a soft intro into sensitive talk.
4. Why do people in Singapore use disclaimers like this?
Because of our kiasu and kiasi culture—people like to protect themselves from miscommunication, blame, and drama. Plus, disclaimers help maintain harmony in social dynamics.
5. How can I make my Singlish more natural?
Start by listening to how your friends speak. Observe tone, phrasing, and how they time their jokes or disclaimers. Don’t rush—let it come naturally.