The Gen Z words that Singaporeans hate the most

If you’re tired of hearing “slay, sister!”, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey conducted by online language learning marketplace Preply, "slay" clinches the top spot as the most irksome Gen Z slang in Singapore, with 13% of respondents expressing their annoyance. Ironically, it's also the most frequently used term, embraced by over a third (35%) of Singaporeans.

The survey, which polled more than 1,500 Singaporeans, delved into the preferences and dislikes surrounding Gen Z slang. Alongside this, the research sheds light on the least favoured Singlish slang among residents.

Among the key findings, 95% of Singaporeans admit to incorporating Singlish slang into their speech, with 33% doing so in almost every conversation. Surprisingly, 30% of residents assert that they never engage in Gen Z slang, with half of them expressing a preference for Singlish terms over Gen Z jargon.

"Alamak" – a colloquial expression conveying dismay, shock, or alarm – emerges as the most beloved Singlish slang term. It seems that while Gen Z slang may dominate in modern day speech, traditional expressions still hold a special place in the hearts of Singaporeans.

Other noteworthy statistics reveal that 15% of expats in Singapore adopt slang to assimilate, while 85% of the general population admit to incorporating slang into their workplace conversations. Paradoxically, 74% believe it's inappropriate within an office environment.

Interested to find out the full list? Here, the top most annoying and most used Gen Z slang words in Singapore, as well as the most popular and hated Singlish slang words.

P.S. If you have no idea what any of these slang words mean, give our Gen-Z dictionary a read.

The top 10 most popular Gen Z slang in Singapore

1. Slay (to do a spectacular job)  —  35.2%
2. Sus (suspicious)  —  30.8%
3. G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time)  —  27.4%
4. Salty (When you are upset over something little) —  26.0%
5. Spilling tea (Sharing gossip) —  25.8%
6. Flex (To show off) —  22.7%
7. Simp (When someone does way too much for a person they like) —  22.5%
8. Cap (Lying) —  21.5% + Shook (Surprised or shocked) —  21.5% (TIED)
9. Situationship (A romantic or sexual relationship that is unclear or undefined) —  20.8%
10. Rizz (Charisma) —  20% 

The top 5 most annoying Gen Z slang words in Singapore

1. Slay (to do a spectacular job)  —  35.2%
2. Purr (To express approval or contentment of something)  —  11.8%
3. Zaddy (Attractive, charismatic older man)  —  10.5%
4. Bussin (Really good) —  10.2%
5. Yeet (To violently throw an object) —  10.0%

The top 10 most popular Singlish slang words

1. Alamak (An expression to display dismay, shock or alarm)  —  65.8%
2. Makan (To eat)  —  60.9%
3. Lah, Lor, Leh, Meh (To add emphasis after an expression after a statement)  —  57.9%
4. Paiseh (Shy, embarrassing, or “to have a sense of shame”) —  57.0%
5. Kaypoh (Nosy) —  56.5%
6. Steady (For sure, sounds good) —  56.1%
7. Shiok (To describe something delicious or simply good) —  55.4%
8. Bo liao (Being in a situation of idleness) —  54.3%
9. Kiasu (Afraid of losing out) —  54.2%
10. Atas (Luxe, upper class) —  52.9%

The top three worst Singlish slang words:

1. Alamak (An expression to display dismay, shock or alarm)  —  17.1%
2. Lah, Lor, Leh, Meh (To add emphasis after an expression after a statement)  —  16.4%
3. Bo liao (Being in a situation of idleness) —  16.2%