Understanding the Malay Language : Part 1

You have heard it, you have used it and hands put to heart, you are proud of it. I’m talking about the simple yet beautiful language of colloquial Malay. Malay that you use everyday. Malay that you try to make sense of. Malay that separates you from the rest. Malay that puts you into the corner that you belong. Here, I try to explore the possible evolution of some commonly used Malay words and hopefully put it into perspective at the same time.

1) Patu
Definition : Lepas itu / After that
Sentence : “ Ah patu nak buat apa” / So what do you want to do after that

This word is a good representation of us. From two relatively short words, we actually managed to make it shorter. It’s incredibly slack but I’m not complaining. Don’t be surprised if we eventually shorten everything and speak out letters instead of words.

2) Dorang/korang
Definition : Dia orang / Kau orang / You people
Sentence : “ Eh korang boleh jalan cepat sikit tak” / Can you people walk faster

Another slack combination of two words. But if you actually break it down, it doesn’t make sense. Dia orang. He’s a person. I know la he’s a person. Kau orang. You're a person. Of course you're a person la duh! See how it all does not make any sense but it makes sense when everyone trying to make sense out of it.

3)Pekak badak
Definition : Lousy
Sentence : “ Liverpool memang pekak badak ah. Lawan Aston Villa pun draw” / Liverpool is lousy enough to draw against Aston Villa

This is one of the most misused Malay words. The direct translation would mean as Deaf as a Rhinoceros. But why oh why would a deaf Rhino be lousy? Would that make a normal hearing-enabled Rhino excellent? I tell you what’s lousy. The words itself.

4) Elehhh
Definition : (No definition. It’s just a strange noise)
Sentence : “ Ye eleh, itu aku pun tau sehh” / (Strange Noise). I knew that.

Not many people knew this but before Rihanna even had her hit that goes Ella Ella eh eh eh, Malays were already going Ye eleh eleh eleh eh ah eh ah. Sorry MTV, we beat you to it.

5) Mak ai
Definition : (More of a exclamation. Similar to ‘ Wah Lau’ )
Sentence : “ Mak ai, apa dia buat sehh” / Wah Lau, what is he doing

Mak ai Zat nama dia Wati. Another one of those meaningless words that is more of an expression than anything else. It just adds to the noise and din. Something that is synonymous with Malay conversations.

6) Pakai
Definition : To use
Sentence : “ Cik, boleh pakai bilik air?” / Can I use the toilet, Mdm?

One of the biggest unsolved mysteries of all time. The proper definition of this word is ‘ to wear’, I.e. to wear your clothes. It’s an established word in the Malay dictionary and everyone knows that. Yet, like how we have an affinity of going against the law, we also have an affinity for going against the proper definition of a word. In direct translation, that sentence would mean ‘ Can I wear your water room, Madam?’. Firstly, go ahead and try. Secondly, go ahead and drown.

These are just some of the words that never fails to astound me, for now. I’ve been guilty of it. You’ve been guilty of it. But that’s just the way we like it. Feel free to contribute your 16 cents worth. Together, we can understand the Malay language better.