KUALA LUMPUR – Just in time for this year’s Aidilfitri, the word ketupat – a traditional rice cake wrapped in woven palm leaves – makes its appearance in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Widely associated with the Muslim celebration, ketupat holds deep cultural significance in Malaysia and Indonesia as a staple festival food, often accompanied by “kuah kacang” (peanut sauce) or rendang.
In its latest update, the OED has included more words from Malaysia and Singapore, like “ketupat”, “lepak”, “alamak”, “kiasu” and others, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the region this month.
The dictionary focused on “untranslatable” words from around the world, including Southeast Asia and Africa. These words, deeply embedded in their cultural contexts, enrich the global understanding of English as a dynamic and adaptable language.
Other words added include mamak, referring to the popular Indian-Muslim eateries in Malaysia, and tapau, meaning takeaway, both of which highlight the rich food culture of the region.
Another word that has made its way into the OED is alamak, a common exclamation used to express surprise, shock, or dismay. This versatile word is frequently heard in everyday conversations, and has recently become associated with Aidilfitri after the song Alamak Raya Lagi! by De Fam trended last year.
Additionally, shiok, an expression of delight or satisfaction, and kiasu, a term describing an intense competitive nature, often associated with Singaporean culture, have also been added. The inclusion of these words signals the growing recognition of Malaysian and Singaporean English as distinct and influential forms of English.
This update also builds upon previous additions such as kampung (village), a term that remains central to Malaysian and Singaporean identity, especially in discussions about heritage and long nostalgic journeys during the festive season.
The OED has also highlighted some interesting etymological insights. For instance, ang moh, a term referring to a Westerner, has origins in Hokkien, while blur, meaning confused or slow to catch on, has been given specific recognition in its Malaysian and Singaporean usage.
Here is a full list of the new March entries of words from Malaysia and Singapore:
– alamak, int.
– fish head curry, n.
– half-boiled egg, n.
– kaya, n.2
– kaya toast, n.
– ketupat, n.
– mat rempit, n.
– nasi lemak, n.
– otak-otak, n.
– steamboat, n.
– tapau, v.
– terror, adj. – March 28, 2025