I learned a new Singlish word today, Yaya Papaya. It made me laugh so much, even before knowing what it meant – putting it on my favourite Singlish words list.
I heard it from a friend today who was unhappy about his relative and said something along the line, “…he is one big Yaya Papaya…”. It took me a second to register that he actually said “Ya-Ya” before “Papaya” to describe a person. Once it sank, I burst into laughter, which annoyed him.
Eventually, I made him explain what fruity slang means – an arrogant person.
Even after the explanation, I couldn’t stop grinning, thinking about how Singapore always finds ways to insult cutely, as if to soften the blow. From Atas (a posh person) to Kaypoh (a busybody) and everything in between.
When I shared this with him, he grunted and replied, “You a(l)so another Yaya Papaya!!“
Oh, Singapore, I love you so much, even when you insult me! Bring all the Yaya Papaya-s and its variety to me!
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