The singlish word “aiyo”, commonly used in Singapore, Malaysia and some parts of Asia, is now an official English word and was officially added into the Oxford English dictionary.
Photo via Meme Generator
For those of you who don't know, “aiyo” is mostly used to describe a feeling of distress, regret or grief; just like “Oh no!” or “Oh dear!”.
Other variations of aiyo include “aiyah” and “aiyoh”.
The Oxford English dictionary updates it’s bank of words four times every year.
Some of its latest editions include “mamak” which means street stall in Malaysia, “pancit” (flat tyre), and even some of Southeast Asia’s popular dishes like “char kway teow”, “chicken rice”, and “rendang”.
Wah, so cool! What Southeast Asian terms or words should be an official English word next?
Hm, does this mean we can use “aiyo” when playing Scrabble after this?
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
