Meanings
alternative japalang
- MalaysiaSingaporederogatoryslangsometimesComprising a mixture of various elements, mostly at random.
2015 July 15, Melissa, The Hidden Gems of Joo Chiat Complex, Hungry Bird “Chapalang shops” are common everywhere, you know, the sort which sells lithium batteries, fly swats and air fresheners
5 more examples
Marketing executive Kei Yamada is a self-confessed “chapalang” shopper who shops anywhere and everywhere, from popular fashion chains to second hand bazaars and online stores.
2010 May 28, Jamie Nonis, “Digging in for the best deals”, in The Straits Times"My English is very chapalang (random mix) and I often had to add some gestures to convey what I mean."
2014 September 18, Foo Jie Ying, “American CEO breaks down in front of contractor day before leaping to death”, in AsiaoneHow about using a "japalang" language like Singlish?
2014 December 13, Zanzibar, soc.culture.singapore (Usenet)the equality star tells the ideal of a peaceful society where different races, languages and religions live together in harmony... this star might just be the most rojak/chapalang star of all.
2015 August 7, Mothership Admin, “Here are our five stars rising out of Marina Bay”, in MothershipOther parts of the exhibition have a "chapalang" (mixed bag) feel.
2015 December 1, Clarissa Oon, “National Gallery Singapore has a tough job to explain and curate art”, in The Straits Times
Synonyms & antonyms
Origin
- Cantonese雜崩冷 /杂崩冷
- Englishchapalang
From Cantonese 雜崩冷 /杂崩冷 (zaap⁶ bang¹ lang¹). Taking influence from the Hokkien words 食飽人 (tsia̍h-pá-lâng), meaning "people who have eaten their fill".
More words from Cantonese
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
chapalang. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/chapalang
“chapalang.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/chapalang. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “chapalang,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/chapalang.
Source: chapalang on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.