LAH Meaning and
Definition
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Lah is a colloquial expression commonly used in Singapore and Malaysia, particularly among the Chinese community. It is often employed as an exclamation or particle at the end of a sentence to emphasize a point, convey emotions, or add emphasis to a statement. The term is an adaptation of the English word "la," with added pronunciation variations influenced by the local Chinese dialects.
In usage, lah does not have a specific meaning of its own but acts as a modifier that enhances or alters the tone of a statement. It can display various emotions such as frustration, annoyance, impatience, urgency, or even friendliness, depending on the context and tone of speech. For example, when someone says, "Hurry up, we'll be late lah," it adds an element of urgency or impatience to the sentence. In situations where it conveys affection or camaraderie, individuals might use it in expressions like, "I miss you lah."
Lah is deeply ingrained in the local colloquial language in Singapore and Malaysia, and it has become an essential component of informal communication. Its distinctiveness and frequent use in casual conversations have made it a cultural identifier for these regions. However, its non-standard grammar makes it inappropriate in formal or professional settings, where more appropriate language should be employed.
Common Misspellings for LAH
Etymology of LAH
The word "lah" is an interjection commonly used in Singapore and Malaysia. It is often added to the end of sentences for emphasis or to convey a particular tone or mood.
Etymologically, "lah" is believed to have originated from the Cantonese dialect, where it is used as a sentence-final particle with similar functions. Cantonese is one of the Chinese languages spoken in Southern China, particularly in the Guangdong province and Hong Kong.
During the colonial era, when Singapore and Malaysia were under British rule, there was a significant influx of Chinese immigrants, including those from Cantonese-speaking regions. Over time, the Cantonese language and its vocabulary influenced the local Malay and English languages, resulting in the assimilation of terms like "lah" into the local vernacular.
Idioms with the word LAH
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lah-di-dah
"Lah-di-dah" is an expression used to mock someone who is pretentious, snobbish, or acting superior. It can also be used to dismiss something as trivial or unimportant.
Similar spelling words for LAH
- law,
- layia,
- lay,
- Lai,
- lahu,
- lao,
- lahey,
- la,
- L,
- LAUE,
- LAU.
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