“Double confirm” has been found to be the most popular workplace expression, used daily by nearly 18 per cent of working Singaporeans, according to a recent survey by online English tuition provider Preply. It is used particularly among younger professionals aged 25 to 34. This phrase, commonly used across Singaporean and Malaysian workplaces, is used when someone wants to double check or ensure the accuracy of information.
Other popular phrases include “on the same page” and “chop chop”.
Preply surveyed 1,001 Singapore respondents who currently work or have worked before in October 2024.
Meanwhile, the survey found that “saikang warrior” is the most irritating corporate buzzword, disliked by 46 per cent of respondents, as it refers to those often assigned menial tasks. Other unpopular phrases include “kena arrowed” (45 per cent) for being unfairly assigned work, and “wayang” (44 per cent) for pretending to work hard.
Learn more about the corporate jargons used in Singapore.