QuickCheck: Is the word 'lah' in the Oxford English Dictionary?
"Lah" is a quintessential expression that adds a Malaysian flavour to conversations. But is it true that it's been added into the Oxford dictionary?
IN THE rich tapestry of Malaysian English, the word "lah" stands out as a quintessential expression.
It's a word that adds flavour to conversations, conveying emphasis, emotion or even camaraderie.
But is it true that "lah" has found its way into the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?
Verdict:
TRUE
The Oxford English Dictionary has included the word "lah into its lexicon, a significant nod to the uniqueness of Malaysian English.
According to the OED, this colloquial particle is used as an interjection to assert or soften a statement, depending on its context and intonation.
For instance, "Come on, lah" can convey a friendly urging, while "No need to worry, lah" might offer reassurance.
The word's earliest known use in print was in 1956 (though it was definitely in use prior to that) and was first published in the OED in 1997.
Alongside "lah," other Malaysian slang have been added to the OED.
Most recently, "alamak" was added into the OED in 2025.
Also a colloquial interjection, according to the OED "alamak" is used to express surprise, shock, or dismay.
This versatile word captures the essence of sudden reactions, whether to unexpected news or minor mishaps.
The first known use of the word in print was in 1952.
Other words to have made it into the OED as of 2025 include kaya (noun), rendang (noun), ketupat (noun), mat rempit (noun), nasi lemak (noun), otak-otak (noun) and tapau (verb).
The recognition of these words in the Oxford English Dictionary celebrates how Malaysian lingo, with its unique expressions and culinary terms, continues to enrich the English language as a whole.
So the next time you sprinkle a "lah" into your sentence, know that it's not just a local favourite – it's internationally recognised!
References:
1. https://www.oed.com/ dictionary/lah_int?tab= meaning_and_use#12813255
2. https://www.oed.com/ dictionary/alamak_int?tab= meaning_and_use#1444981330
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