chapalang

English

Alternative forms

• japalang

Etymology

From Hokkien 雜／杂 (cha̍p) or Teochew 雜／杂 (zab8, “mix/mixed”). (Can this⁽⁺⁾ etymology be sourced?)

Pronunciation

(Malaysia & Singapore) IPA^(key): /ˈtʃɑpɑlɑŋ/

Adjective

chapalang (comparative more chapalang, superlative most chapalang)

1. (Malaysia, Singapore, colloquial, slang, sometimes derogatory) A mixture of various elements, mostly at random. can refer to abstract concepts, things or people.
   • 2010 May 28, Jamie Nonis, “Digging in for the best deals”, in The Straits Times:

     Marketing executive Kei Yamada is a self-confessed “chapalang” shopper who shops anywhere and everywhere, from popular fashion chains to second hand bazaars and online stores.

   • 2014 September 18, Foo Jie Ying, “American CEO breaks down in front of contractor day before leaping to death”, in Asiaone:

     "My English is very chapalang (random mix) and I often had to add some gestures to convey what I mean."

   • 2014 December 13, Zanzibar, soc.culture.singapore‎^[1] (Usenet):

     How about using a "japalang" language like Singlish?

   • 2015 July 15, Melissa, The Hidden Gems of Joo Chiat Complex, Hungry Bird

     “Chapalang shops” are common everywhere, you know, the sort which sells lithium batteries, fly swats and air fresheners

   • 2015 August 7, Mothership Admin, “Here are our five stars rising out of Marina Bay”, in Mothership:

     the equality star tells the ideal of a peaceful society where different races, languages and religions live together in harmony... this star might just be the most rojak/chapalang star of all.

   • 2015 December 1, Clarissa Oon, “National Gallery Singapore has a tough job to explain and curate art”, in The Straits Times:

     Other parts of the exhibition have a "chapalang" (mixed bag) feel.

   • 2017 August 30, singaporecoconutcompany, Instagram

     Never imagined such overwhelming love for SG in this #chapalang shop.

Related terms

• rojak