KIASU Meaning and
Definition
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Kiasu is a term commonly used in Singapore and Malaysia, originating from a Hokkien dialect, to describe someone who is excessively competitive and afraid of losing out to others. The term is often associated with a fear of missing out or a strong desire to be ahead of others.
Kiasu is used to describe individuals who exhibit traits such as being overly self-centered, constantly seeking personal advantage, and being anxious about being left behind. These traits are often displayed in a variety of situations, ranging from academic and professional endeavors to social and everyday activities.
This term is not limited to individuals and can also be applied to businesses and organizations that are driven by a fear of losing out on opportunities or market share. Kiasu behavior can manifest in actions such as hoarding resources, overbooking appointments, or aggressively seeking an advantage even at the cost of others.
Kiasuism can be seen as both positive and negative. On one hand, it can motivate individuals to work hard, strive for success, and achieve their goals. On the other hand, it can foster a highly competitive and stressful environment, leading to a lack of cooperation and a focus on personal gain at the expense of others.
Overall, kiasu encompasses a complex range of behaviors and attitudes associated with an intense fear of losing out and an overwhelming drive to be ahead.
Common Misspellings for KIASU
- Kaisu
- kiesu
- kisau
- liasu
- k9asu
- k8asu
- kiqsu
- kiaau
- kiazu
- kiaxu
- kiadu
- kiaeu
- kiasy
- kiash
- kiasj
- kias8
- kias7
- jkiasu
- kjiasu
- mkiasu
Etymology of KIASU
The word "kiasu" originates from the Hokkien dialect, which is a Chinese dialect predominantly spoken in the Fujian province of China and by the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia. "Kiasu" is a combination of two Hokkien words: "kia" (怕), meaning "afraid" or "scared", and "su" (输), meaning "to lose" or "to defeat". Together, "kiasu" expresses the concept of being afraid to lose or fear of missing out. The word has become widely used in Singapore and Malaysia, where it has taken on a unique cultural connotation, describing a competitive and excessively anxious behavior driven by the fear of losing out to others.
