Malaysian Slang and Phrases Every Expat Should Know 🗣️

Settling into Malaysia means more than just getting to know the culture, food, and customs. It also means understanding a unique blend of languages and slang that add character to everyday conversations. Malaysians have a knack for mixing languages—Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil, and local dialects—all in one sentence. It is called Manglish (Malaysian English), and while it might sound confusing at first, it is also a huge part of what makes conversations in Malaysia so lively and expressive. Here is a rundown of some commonly used Malaysian slang and phrases that every expat should know.

Loh, Meh, and the Famous Lah

You will hear lah everywhere, and it is probably the most iconic Malaysian word. Lah is used to add emphasis or soften a request, and you will find it attached to the end of sentences. For example, “Come on lah!” means “Come on!” but with a friendlier tone. Similarly, meh is used to question something, and loh softens the tone even further. If someone says, “Really meh?” they are saying “Really?” with a hint of curiosity. Try using lah, it might just make you sound like a local.

Can and Cannot

Malaysians keep it simple. Instead of saying “Yes, that’s possible” or “No, I do not think so,” Malaysians often use can or cannot as a straightforward way of answering questions. If you ask, “Is it possible to do this today?” you might get a friendly “Can!” in response. Likewise, “Cannot lah” means it is not possible or practical. Easy, right?

Tapao

If you are taking your food to go, you are “tapao-ing” it. Tapao comes from the Cantonese word for “takeaway.” If you want your meal wrapped up to take away, simply say, “Can I tapao this?” Most locals will know exactly what you mean, and it is a handy word to remember, especially with Malaysia’s delicious hawker food.

Alamak

Alamak is an expression of surprise, shock, or mild frustration. It is similar to saying “Oh no!” or “Oops!” You will hear it used in all sorts of situations, from someone realising they forgot something to a traffic jam. A casual “Alamak!” can convey your emotions perfectly in a range of everyday scenarios.

Gostan

When you need to reverse a vehicle, you might hear someone say gostan. This word comes from the English phrase “go astern” (a nautical term meaning to reverse). In Malaysia, it has evolved into a term for backing up, whether it is a car or moving backward slightly to let someone through.

Syok

Syok is used to describe something enjoyable, exciting, or “shiok” as they say in Singapore too. If someone tells you that a meal or a day out was syok, they are saying it was fantastic or satisfying. You might hear it combined with lah for an even friendlier tone, “So syok lah!” Just think of it as a way of expressing pure enjoyment.

Onz

If something is onz, it means it is confirmed, exciting, or a definite “yes.” For instance, if friends are planning a get-together and everyone agrees, they might say, “It’s onz!” It is a word that conveys enthusiasm and commitment to an event or plan.

Kena

Kena means “to get” or “to experience” and is often used to describe something that happens to someone, often with a humorous or sympathetic tone. For example, “I kena traffic jam” means “I got caught in a traffic jam.” You might also hear “I kena marah” (I got scolded) or “I kena hujan” (I got caught in the rain), which express everyday situations people find themselves in. It is a handy word to capture a range of experiences.

Lepak

Lepak is the Malaysian word for hanging out, chilling, or relaxing. It’s what you do when you have nothing on and want to spend time with friends, usually over coffee or teh tarik (pulled tea). So if someone says, “Let’s lepak at the mall,” they are inviting you to just chill and enjoy some time together.

Boss

In Malaysia, boss is often used as a casual, friendly term for someone providing a service, like a waiter, shopkeeper, or street vendor. It is a polite way of addressing someone without formality. If you are ordering from a hawker stall, do not be surprised if you are called “boss” as well, it is a term of respect and friendliness.

Sayang

Sayang means “love” or “dear,” and is often used as a term of endearment among close friends, family, or partners. However, it can also mean “what a pity” or “such a shame” when used differently. If someone says, “Sayang, you missed the event,” they are expressing regret that you could not make it.

Jom

Jom means “let’s go” or “come on.” It is an invitation to get going, whether it is for a meal, an outing, or just to move along. You will hear it often when friends are rallying everyone to head out somewhere. “Jom makan” simply means “Let’s eat,” a phrase you are bound to hear more than once!

At Malaysian Link, we know that learning local slang is a huge step towards connecting with the community and feeling at home. We help expatriates understand these little phrases, so lah, meh, and makan become a natural part of your vocabulary. Whether you are out at the hawker stalls, catching up with friends, or just lepak-ing on a Sunday, knowing these phrases will make you feel like you belong.

Malaysian slang is all about friendly connection, warmth, and a sense of fun in daily interactions. By picking up some of these phrases, expatriates can dive deeper into Malaysian life and enjoy the unique charm of Manglish. Give these words a try, and who knows, you might soon be sprinkling lah and can can into your sentences without a second thought!

📷: Zatika Izati Puade