You’ve probably said “boleh,” “tapau” or “alamak” so many times that they barely feel like anything special.

But here’s the interesting part, some of these distinctly Malaysian words are now officially recognised in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).

Yes, that Oxford dictionary.

They’re not simply slang that happens to appear online. These words have been documented, studied and recognised as part of the English used in Malaysia and Singapore.

So, What Actually Happened?

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a historical record of the English language, documenting more than 500,000 entries and 3.5 million quotations spanning over 1,000 years.

It is updated regularly as the English language evolves.

In its March 2026 update, the OED added several Malaysian and Singaporean English terms, including words with Malay and Hokkien (Minnan) origins.

The additions were part of the OED’s wider World English project, which recognises how English develops differently across communities around the world.

And this wasn't the first time.

In March 2025, the OED added another group of Malaysian and Singaporean words, including several terms that are difficult to translate neatly into standard English because they carry meanings deeply rooted in local culture.

The word “Agak-Agak” made it into the Oxford English Dictionary in 2026.

Used to describe an estimation or rough guess, particularly when doing something without precise measurements.

It is perhaps most familiar in the kitchen for example, agak-agak how much chilli, santan or salt to add.

Basically measurements, but make it instinctive.

The OED had already recognised a number of familiar Malaysian and Singaporean terms in its March 2025 update, including:

  • Alamak — an exclamation expressing surprise, shock or dismay.
  • Tapau — to pack food to take away.
  • Kaya — the sweet coconut-and-egg spread.
  • Kaya toast — toast served with kaya.
  • Ketupat — rice cooked inside woven palm-leaf casing.

Why Does This Matter?

Because language isn't static.

English doesn't belong exclusively to Britain, America or any one country. As English spreads around the world, communities adapt it, mix it with local languages and give existing words new meanings.

That is how Malaysian English develops. So yes, the next time someone says “tapau” isn't English, you have a pretty solid response.

In other words, these words aren't “wrong English.” They're evidence of how English has evolved in this part of the world.

And perhaps that's the most Malaysian thing about it, we didn't replace English with Malay, Hokkien or other local languages.

We mixed, adapted and made it our own.