What does “already” mean? Singlish meaning and example

already

adverbEnglish, after Chinese

At the end of a sentence: something has happened, or things have changed. Like liao.

“I eat already, you go ahead.”

More Singlish from English

abuden Of course, what else? Said when the answer is obvious (from “ah, but then?”).

action Showing off, acting cool.

aircon Air-conditioner, or air-conditioning.

also can That works too; either way is fine.

anyhow Carelessly, without thinking (“anyhow whack”).

arrow To assign a job to someone, usually one nobody wants.

auntie Any woman older than you, said with respect, whether related or not.

best Said with a sigh: great, just great, when things get worse.

Words that use “already”

aiyah “Aiyah, the bus left already.”

angbao “Collect so many angbao this year, rich already.”

bobian “Last train gone already, bobian, take taxi.”

botak “Enlist already, everybody botak.”

buay tahan “The neighbour drilling since 8 am, I buay tahan already.”

catch no ball “He explain three times already, I still catch no ball.”

gian “Haven’t eat chilli crab for months, gian already.”

got “Got people sitting here? I got go already.”

Questions

What does “already” mean in Singlish?

At the end of a sentence: something has happened, or things have changed. Like liao. It’s an adverb.

Where does “already” come from?

From English, after Chinese. Other Singlish words from English include abuden, action, aircon and also can.

How do you use “already” in a sentence?

“I eat already, you go ahead.” It turns up in other words’ examples too: see aiyah, angbao and bobian.

Liddat’s own words, from the Singlish dictionary: 312 words and phrases, A to Z.