January 26, 08:45 AM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 We are Singaporeans and we have a few defining traits that make us unique. You hear it all the time.
We say people are "paiseh", "kaypoh", "wayang", "boh-chup" and "kiasu".
We spew them as insults, making fun of people as we go along.
But what do they actually mean?
Here's an in-depth look at how these traits could actually better our lives and not just make us appear like idiots all the time.
1. Being 'Paiseh', where you "give face" to others, and yourself.
"It's ok even if you said you don't want to go out with me, because no one will recognise me anyway after your rejection."
It's good when: You know how to use it wisely and show proper respect to others.
E.g. Going to someone's house for the first time and not putting your feet up on the table.
It's bad when: You use it as a excuse all the time, to hide the fact that you're just too scared to do anything for yourself.
E.g. Being too paiseh to approach that girl.
Therefore: Give proper respect and enough space for others. Always respect others, and it will be all good. But from time to time, step up your game, muster up the courage and go do something you're scared of. That's being paiseh in good light.
2. Being "Kaypoh", where you seemingly stick your nose in other people's affairs.
"I must take photo of this guy sleeping because it is my civic duty. Damn it. Can see my reflection in the window behind. I'm a kaypoh woman."
It's good when: You're naturally inquisitive and have a thirst for knowledge. You genuinely want to learn stuff and you do it without invading others' privacy.
It's bad when: You're simply being a busybody and sticking your nose into everything, especially when it has nothing to do with you. That's bordering on being a gossip monger. That's annoying and disrespectful.
Therefore: Ask the right questions. Don't ask stupid questions. If something has nothing to do with you, let it go and be on your way.
3. Being "Wayang", where you willingly show off what you're all about.
"Quick! The boss is coming! Shuffle the papers, type faster, send more emails, photocopy more things. Everybody act busy!"
It's good when: You willingly say what you feel and don't hold back on expressing your ideas.
It's bad when: You're just showing off for the sake of showing off. That's attention-seeking and super annoying.
Therefore: Present yourself well. Sincerely share your ideas for the sake of helping others. Don't overkill it for the sake of gaining something. People can tell.
4. Being "Boh-Chup", where you seemingly don't care about anything.
"It's not that I'm too tired, it's just that I don't care."
It's good when: You aren't so anal about rules and regulations. You let loose the tight grip around things.
It's bad when: You're a total slacker who shirks off responsibility, thereby affecting those around you. It's also bad when you're so boh-chup about everything in life that you are just a lazy bum who doesn't do anything for yourself.
Therefore: Be willing to break a rule or two. This is especially crucial if you're managing a team. Nobody likes an uptight guy who follows everything by the book. Then make sure you do your part and carry out your work. For yourself, go find passion, then you can slack in everything else.
5. Being "Kiasu", where you seemingly don't want to miss out on anything.
"This bowl of ketchup is just for my chicken wings. There's another bowl of ketchup for the meatballs."
It's good when: You cover all ground to make sure you get the best out of everything and for everyone else. Plus it's good when you know how to be cautious.
It's bad when: You're just being kiasu so you can keep everything for yourself. That's plain selfish.
Therefore: Watch out for yourself, but don't be selfish.
Top photo from here
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