We might be just a small red dot on the map, but we sure are a powerful and influential nation in global affairs. Well, what makes us Singaporeans? Or rather, uniquely Singaporeans?
Here are 10 things I’ve observed that scream S-I-N-G-A-P-O-R-E.
(Image credit)
1. We speak Singlish
Singlish is a very interesting language that only Singaporeans speak. You know lah, all the things we say need to end with “lah”, “lor”, “leh”. How interesting hor? For the non-Singaporeans, Singlish is the English-based language spoken colloquially in Singapore. Singlish has its unique slang and syntax, which is more pronounced in informal speech. Some examples are what I have mentioned earlier. Understand hor? Can can.
2. We are “kiasu”
“Kiasu” simply means “scared to lose out”. Singaporeans are strangely, very kiasu, as they want first dibs on everything, and want to be the best of the best. Well, I’m sure our kids started going for tuition lessons when they were 6 months old.
3. We like to “chope” tables
I am guilty of this because everyone’s doing it! Especially during lunch times, when every food joint is crowded, the moment we see an empty seat, we’ll throw a pack of tissue (or anything we can find) to “chope” (also means reserve) the seats so that we’ll be guaranteed a seat after we order.
4. We love our hawker centres
Hawker centres, basically open-air complexes with lots of food stalls, are very popular among Singaporeans. Food’s good and cheap, what more can we ask for?
5. We dip biscuits in Milo/eat bread with Milo powder for tea-time
I haven’t heard of anyone else doing this other than our fellow Singaporeans. Since childhood, we have been taught to drink Milo (chocolate malt beverage) and dipping our dry biscuits into the energy drink during tea breaks. As Milo is chocolatey, we love to use the powder as a spread for our bread for breakfast too!
6. We fret about ERP (if we drive or take Grab/Uber)
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is something that bothers the hell out of all Singaporeans, whether they drive, or love taking taxis/Grab and Uber rides. ERP is basically an electronic gantry that limits the number of cars in the road at certain hours by imposing an entrance fee. ERP can go up to SGD6 per entry. How crazy is that? Well, here’s Singapore, the fine city for you.
7. We (mostly) have chilli accompanying our food when we eat
Singaporeans love their chilli. Whenever we have our meals, majority asks for chilli in all forms – fresh cut chilli (in soy sauce), chilli sauce, sambal chilli etc. I don’t know why but chilli just spices our food, so much so that we can’t live without it.
8. We like to complain (a lot)
Oh yes, we sure do. One of the best things Singaporeans do is to complain (a lot). Whenever we are unhappy with something, we complain. Even if we’re happy with something, we’re bound to find fault and start complaining. The best part? Most complain and don’t bother doing anything about it.
9. We are (strangely) patriotic
For some reason, we complain so much, but still love our little red dot. I don’t exactly see the Singaporean spirit when it comes to day-to-day situations like boarding public transport, but somehow, people become more gracious when National Day arrives. Suddenly, people are kinder, and somehow people display their affection for the nation more, especially in the form of putting up Singapore flags. Strange as it may be, but we Singaporeans do love our nation for sure.
10. We love our Changi Airport
This is one thing I cannot deny – my love for our Changi Airport. Proudly Singapore’s, this airport is rated the World’s Best Airport! I cannot agree more, for our airport has got everything you need – food, shopping, entertainment. The airport is so organized as compared to most in the world, and I cannot be more thankful for this top-notch feature of Singapore.
So, do you agree to all of them? Share with us!