Content warning: This word is classified as vulgar.
Kuay
A crude, derogatory term for a sex worker. You won't hear polite company using this, so unless you're looking for a quick way to sound like a sleazy person, it's best to leave this one out of your vocabulary entirely.
Origin
Literal translation: "Chicken"
Derived from the Hokkien word for chicken, which historically doubled as a slang term for a prostitute in various Chinese dialects across the region.
Usage Examples
"Eh donโt go around using "kuay" leh, very rude one. Later people think you damn sleazy."
"That guy at the kopi shop keep blurting out some dirty talkโmy friend say he was talking about kuay, so we all just siam."
"Bro, if you call somebody kuay in front of the whole group, confirm can start fight sia."
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Related Words
chee bai (cb)
The granddaddy of all Singaporean expletives. Itโs a versatile, heavy-duty vulgarity that works as a noun for someone you despise, or as an all-purpose exclamation when youโve stepped in a puddle or someoneโs cut you off in traffic. Use with extreme caution because itโs as offensive as it gets.
phua chee bai
This is a very vulgar and aggressive Hokkien curse that essentially translates to 'broken fanny.' It is a heavy-duty insult used to express extreme anger or to demean someone, usually a woman, by attacking her sexual morality in the harshest way possible. Don't go using this unless you are truly prepared to cause a massive scene or start a fight.
lan jiao
This is a very vulgar Hokkien term for a penis, but in the streets, itโs basically the Swiss Army knife of profanity. Youโll hear it shouted when someone is beyond frustrated, or as a colourful way to express pure disbeliefโdon't ever use this in front of your grandma or a judge.
kan ni na
This is definitely the heavy artillery of Singaporean swearingโan extremely vulgar Hokkien phrase that translates to 'fuck your mother'. Given its offensive nature, keep this one far away from your aunties at the hawker centre, as it's typically reserved for moments of absolute rage or when you've well and truly lost your cool.