A lesson in Singlish.

Leh = an exclaimation that wants an reaction from the listener.

Lah ( prounced as “la” as in “la senza” ) = an exclaimation that you already know it (so “cute lah” = “yes yes, i know it is cute” )

Lah ( high pitch to mid pitch ) = concurring. agreeing. With a little condescending. ( “yah lah!” = yes! that why i had been trying to tell you!“ )

Loh = also concurring and agreeing. however this one is with a slight disappointment and helplessness, or even nonchalant (as nonchalant talk is usually due to a “whatever….” attitude”).

Mah ( “Ma” as in “Majulah” )= an emphasis that the thing you are talking abt is correct / true.

Meh (“Meh” as in “Mary” ) = a question in exclamation or disbelief.

Liao = Ended. Finished. Completed. Basically is the word “already” (“start liao” = “already started” )

So, with the above, I can say an entire sequence (like you listen to me talking on phone):

“This vege dog is cute loh! Not cute meh? Cute Mah! I already told it is cute what… Its cute leh… dun like that leh… yah lah! I say its cute liao loh~ Aiya, you win lah… ya lah ya lah…. I dun want to talk liao.”

English translation =

“This vege dog is cute! Is it not cute? Isn’t it cute?! I already established that it is cute…. Please, it’s cute… Why are you so stubborn?… Yes! Haven’t I already told you that it is cute? You know what, I do not want to argue with you any longer…. yes, whatever…. I not talking to you.”