Kiasu

Kiasu (Chinese: 驚輸; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: kiaⁿ-su) is a Hokkien and Singlish word that means a grasping, selfish attitude.

The term can be translated as "afraid to lose out" from 'kia' "afraid" and 'su' "lose". Like many proverbial expressions it can have both positive and negative connotations, but is generally used to refer to someone who thinks of themselves first and is always trying to get ahead in one way or another.

Etymology and usage

Kiasu comes from the vernacular Chinese word 怕输, meaning 'fear of losing’. It is used by Hokkien-speaking people in Singapore and has been introduced into the English language by speakers of colloquial Singaporean English. It is often used to refer to anxious, selfish behaviour characterised by a fear of "missing out" or "losing out".

Kiasu is similar in etymology to Kiasi (literally, fear of death), and both terms are used to describe similar behaviour. Kiasu or Kiasu-ism means taking extreme measures to achieve success, whereas Kiasi or Kiasi-ism means taking extreme measures to avoid risk.

So, put together the term kiasu could be well translated for those outside culture as "avoiding competition due to the fear of losing out (yet still thinks that one is best/or better than the other party).

See also

• Kiasi

External links

• Definition of kiasu in the Oxford Dictionary
• Definition of kiasu in The Coxford Singlish Dictionary at Talkingcock.com
• See: kiasu from A Dictionary of Singlish and Singaporean English