WAH LAU Meaning and
Definition
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Wah lau is a colloquial expression commonly used in Singapore and Malaysia, particularly in the Hokkien and Cantonese dialects. It is a slang term often used to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief. The literal translation of "wah lau" is not easily pinpointed, as it does not have a clear meaning in English. However, it can be understood as an exclamation of astonishment or annoyance.
When used to express surprise, "wah lau" is often accompanied by an exclamation mark, indicating a sense of awe or incredulity. For example, upon seeing something remarkable or unexpected, one might exclaim, "Wah lau, look at that!" It adds emphasis to the level of amazement or astonishment felt.
On the other hand, "wah lau" is also commonly used to convey frustration or annoyance, similar to expressions like "oh my god" or "seriously?" For instance, when experiencing a frustrating situation, one might say, "Wah lau, why is everything going wrong today?" This usage expresses exasperation or discontent.
Overall, "wah lau" is a versatile slang term that can be used in various contexts to convey surprise, astonishment, or frustration. Its popularity in Singapore and Malaysia reflects its importance and acceptance in the local dialects, adding color and character to informal conversations.
Common Misspellings for WAH LAU
- qah lau
- aah lau
- sah lau
- eah lau
- 3ah lau
- 2ah lau
- wzh lau
- wsh lau
- wwh lau
- wqh lau
- wag lau
- wab lau
- wan lau
- waj lau
- wau lau
- way lau
- wah kau
- wah pau
- wah oau
- wah lzu
Etymology of WAH LAU
The word "wah lau" originated from Singaporean English and is primarily used in Singlish, which is a colloquial form of English spoken in Singapore. It is an expression commonly used by Singaporeans of Chinese descent to convey surprise, frustration, or disappointment.
The etymology of "wah lau" is believed to be derived from the Chinese phrase "哇老" (pinyin: wā lǎo), which is Hokkien dialect. However, it is important to note that "wah lau" is a transliteration and doesn't have a specific meaning in Chinese. "Wā" is an interjection in Hokkien that expresses surprise or amazement, and "lǎo" is a Hokkien Chinese term which can be translated to mean "old".
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