Alamak
The Swiss Army knife of expressions for when things go slightly wrongโwhether youโve missed your bus, dropped your phone, or realised you left the stove on. Itโs that instinctive, split-second utterance of mild panic or exasperation that every Singaporean utters at least five times a day.
Origin
Literal translation: "Oh my Mother"
Borrowed from Malay, it is a contraction of 'Allah mak', which literally invokes the mother of God, though today itโs used by everyone regardless of faith to express everything from annoyance to surprise.
Usage Examples
"alamak, I forgot to bring my umbrella and now the sky is turning pitch black... confirm going to get wet like a drowned rat later."
"alamak! I reach Yishun already then realize I leave my laptop bag on the bus. GG lah like this."
"alamak, don't tell me this hawker centre is closed for cleaning today? My lunch plans all fly away already leh."
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Related Words
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