KUALA LUMPUR – Several expressions commonly used in Malaysian English have been formally included in the latest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), highlighting the region’s expanding impact on the global English lexicon.
Xinhua reported that the update introduces 11 new entries drawn from Singaporean and Malaysian English, many derived from Malay and the Minnan (Hokkien) dialect. Oxford Languages confirmed the additions in a statement on Tuesday.
Among the newly recognised terms is agak-agak, which can serve as both a noun and a verb, denoting estimation or approximation, particularly in cooking contexts.
Another term, boleh, functions as an intransitive verb expressing the ability to achieve something. “Its use was popularized by the advertising slogan ‘Malaysia boleh’, part of a marketing campaign for the chocolate-flavoured drink Milo, encouraging support for Malaysian athletes during the Southeast Asian Games held in Singapore in 1993,” the statement said.
The update also acknowledges Hokkien contributions. Jialat describes a difficult or troublesome situation, while kaypoh refers to a busybody and may be used as a noun, adjective, or verb.
Oxford Languages noted that these additions are part of its broader World English update, with further details covering developments in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, South Africa, and Ireland. – March 26, 2026