paiseh

comparative more paiseh · superlative most paiseh · alternative pai say · alternative pai seh

1. ManglishSinglishEmbarrassed; humiliated; shy

   ‘So paiseh because everyone is staring.’

   2001 June 17, Karamjit Kaur, The Straits Times, Singapore

   3 more examples

   We say sorrysorrysorry to make sure we are: / So pai say, we have to repeat two, three times; ..

   2000, Leong Liew Geok, “Forever Singlish”, in Women without Men, Singapore, page 130

   I know I’m not their teacher, but I still feel pai seh not giving enough attention. If children are approaching me, it’s either because they think I’m accessible, or their teachers for some reason send them my way. If I don’t respond, they’ll think I’m sombong (Malay for “proud”), and then how?

   2006 August 13, Colin Goh, The Straits Times, Singapore

   Remember when we first met? My husband's underwear fell into your backyard. So paiseh to come down and ask you.

   2009, Jean Tay, Boom, Epigram Books, →ISBN, Act I, scene x, page 45

alternative pai say · alternative pai seh

1. ManglishSinglishintransitiveinvariableTo be ashamed and reluctant; to be shy or embarrassed.

alternative pai say · alternative pai seh

1. ManglishSinglishExcuse me; sorry (expression of regret or embarrassment).

   Synonyms: malu