SINGAPORE: The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added the Malay words “alamak” and “nasi lemak” in its latest update, recognising their cultural and linguistic significance, The Straits Times reported.
According to the OED, these words are among several “untranslatable” terms from Singapore and Malaysia included in the March update.
“Alamak,” a colloquial exclamation of surprise, shock, or dismay, was first recorded in 1952, while “nasi lemak” joins other traditional Malay dishes like “ketupat” and “otak-otak” in the dictionary.
Other additions include local culinary terms like “kaya toast” and “half-boiled egg,” as well as Anglicised dish names such as “fish head curry” and “steamboat.”
The dictionary also added “tapau,” which means to pack up food to take away.
“Terror” was also included, meaning both terrible and excellent, depending on context.
The OED notes it is often used in phrases like “Wah! So terror lah.”
