Poyoness
Written on 9/13/2004 01:45:00 am by sikapitan
In recent times, I haven’t really posted two entries so close in time. But today is an exception, simply because I felt like writing something light for everyone. What’s “poyo”? Is it equivalent to “hampeh”? Can you be “chun” yet “poyo”? Are all “skemas” “poyos”? Why are “rempits” always “lubok”? Must all “rempits” be “mat mots”? These terms and many others are not listed in our beloved Kamus Dewan, yet they form the basis of the typical undergraduate’s vocabulary. Here listed, NOT in alphabetical order, are some of the terms that comes to mind, and their ‘definition’.
“poyo” – Often heard and spoken. I cannot for one imagine where this word came from, but kudos to the creator for single-handedly creating a lasting impression on popular culture. When I was first introduced to it in hi-school, it implies “lameness”. For example, “Kau nie poyo la” = You are so lame. Yet, over the years, the term has evolved from beyond its original meaning, like so many other pop terms. It has now included non-living entity into its realm, like “Agak poyo la baju tuh”. And the exact definition of lameness itself is subjective. “Poyo” to one person might be wearing a green tie, while to another it might mean being cocky. The scope of its usage is endless. Almost everyone in Malaysia has used it once before, even the oldies are getting on the act. I recommend that the government introduce National Poyo Day, considering that almost everyone has been called poyo before.
“hampeh” – It’s closely related to “poyo” yet used more sparingly and seldom liberally like its more popular little brother. While you could be a national icon and yet be poyo (say you wear a lime green tux one fateful day, no?), “hampeh” people are more likely to be the bottom-of-the-barrel crew. “Hampeh” implies pathetic to the very core, though as usual it has been used to describe something that isn’t so lame either. It’s more likely to be used to describe an event, thing, or action. Example : “Hampeh la makanan dia” = The food isn’t good at all. See, you could substitute “poyo” with “hampeh”, but seldom do use exchange “hampeh” with “poyo”. For example, “Mamat tuh hampeh” sounds pretty normal, but “Ayam dia poyo” sounds downright weird.
“chun” – Firstly created to describe something/ somebody as beautiful. For example, “She is chun” is self-explanatory. It has evolved to include beautiful actions as well. Example: “Chun beb skill dia”. What’s weird is its evolution to something that isn’t beautiful at all. Just like the term “cool”, it is synonymous with a feeling of satisfaction and has sometimes been preferred to be used in place of the boring “OK”. For example: “See you at 8”, “Chun”. Typical sms message typed in those interactive tv shows: “Ada awek chun?”. Just “chun” isn’t it?
“gempak” – Close cousin to “chun” though it’s primary usage is to describe something spectacular. It has even been used to describe girls.
“fit” – Latest entry into my vocabulary, a timely inclusion courtesy of the Brits and their witty sense of humour. This is used exclusively for girls. Whereas “chun” implies that the girl is all around fine, while in fact she might not be that pretty when you wake up the next morning, “fit” doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got a face of an angel. She doesn’t have to be beautiful, but she certainly has to be…well packaged, no? It’s better than trying to justify to your mates why you said that girl was “chun” when she isn’t really that great. Just say “fit laa”. See “on”, “solid”.
“awek” – I’ve always thought that the real definition of “awek” is “girlfriend”. At the very least it is used to call to attention an attractive female. But I’ve come to realize in recent years, that almost every girl qualifies as “awek”. I myself have been guilty of using the word when in fact the subject matter is an unknown. Example : “Banyak awek kat situ”. Even though we cannot say for sure that there are any attractive girls there, we still use the term “awek”. I believe this is unacceptable. I demand that someone find an alternative word to desribe girls. “Banyak pompuan” just doesn’t sound good. Let “awek” remain exclusively for describing “chun” girls. If only I had a ringgit for every-time someone said “awek” and it turned out to be someone with a face only her mother would love.
Yeah, I know it sounds too chauvinistic. But hey, that’s life for you. I make no apologies for being a jock. There’s more, so much more that it’ll probably maxed out this entire page. Perhaps I could add it on later, with your suggestions maybe? Oh yeah, the “definition” stated above is not authoritative in any way. It is merely a subjective opinion from a man who has heard it being used almost everyday. So to the “aweks” out there, don’t be “poyo” and get all work out will ya?
“poyo” – Often heard and spoken. I cannot for one imagine where this word came from, but kudos to the creator for single-handedly creating a lasting impression on popular culture. When I was first introduced to it in hi-school, it implies “lameness”. For example, “Kau nie poyo la” = You are so lame. Yet, over the years, the term has evolved from beyond its original meaning, like so many other pop terms. It has now included non-living entity into its realm, like “Agak poyo la baju tuh”. And the exact definition of lameness itself is subjective. “Poyo” to one person might be wearing a green tie, while to another it might mean being cocky. The scope of its usage is endless. Almost everyone in Malaysia has used it once before, even the oldies are getting on the act. I recommend that the government introduce National Poyo Day, considering that almost everyone has been called poyo before.
“hampeh” – It’s closely related to “poyo” yet used more sparingly and seldom liberally like its more popular little brother. While you could be a national icon and yet be poyo (say you wear a lime green tux one fateful day, no?), “hampeh” people are more likely to be the bottom-of-the-barrel crew. “Hampeh” implies pathetic to the very core, though as usual it has been used to describe something that isn’t so lame either. It’s more likely to be used to describe an event, thing, or action. Example : “Hampeh la makanan dia” = The food isn’t good at all. See, you could substitute “poyo” with “hampeh”, but seldom do use exchange “hampeh” with “poyo”. For example, “Mamat tuh hampeh” sounds pretty normal, but “Ayam dia poyo” sounds downright weird.
“chun” – Firstly created to describe something/ somebody as beautiful. For example, “She is chun” is self-explanatory. It has evolved to include beautiful actions as well. Example: “Chun beb skill dia”. What’s weird is its evolution to something that isn’t beautiful at all. Just like the term “cool”, it is synonymous with a feeling of satisfaction and has sometimes been preferred to be used in place of the boring “OK”. For example: “See you at 8”, “Chun”. Typical sms message typed in those interactive tv shows: “Ada awek chun?”. Just “chun” isn’t it?
“gempak” – Close cousin to “chun” though it’s primary usage is to describe something spectacular. It has even been used to describe girls.
“fit” – Latest entry into my vocabulary, a timely inclusion courtesy of the Brits and their witty sense of humour. This is used exclusively for girls. Whereas “chun” implies that the girl is all around fine, while in fact she might not be that pretty when you wake up the next morning, “fit” doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got a face of an angel. She doesn’t have to be beautiful, but she certainly has to be…well packaged, no? It’s better than trying to justify to your mates why you said that girl was “chun” when she isn’t really that great. Just say “fit laa”. See “on”, “solid”.
“awek” – I’ve always thought that the real definition of “awek” is “girlfriend”. At the very least it is used to call to attention an attractive female. But I’ve come to realize in recent years, that almost every girl qualifies as “awek”. I myself have been guilty of using the word when in fact the subject matter is an unknown. Example : “Banyak awek kat situ”. Even though we cannot say for sure that there are any attractive girls there, we still use the term “awek”. I believe this is unacceptable. I demand that someone find an alternative word to desribe girls. “Banyak pompuan” just doesn’t sound good. Let “awek” remain exclusively for describing “chun” girls. If only I had a ringgit for every-time someone said “awek” and it turned out to be someone with a face only her mother would love.
Yeah, I know it sounds too chauvinistic. But hey, that’s life for you. I make no apologies for being a jock. There’s more, so much more that it’ll probably maxed out this entire page. Perhaps I could add it on later, with your suggestions maybe? Oh yeah, the “definition” stated above is not authoritative in any way. It is merely a subjective opinion from a man who has heard it being used almost everyday. So to the “aweks” out there, don’t be “poyo” and get all work out will ya?
It's too risky dude
I have to say this out loud, Fr3d0, and don’t be angry. But the law of probabilities would agree with me on this one. Manchester United has NEVER won whenever I watch their game with you, period. No exceptions like Cup games or friendlies. ALL their games ended in draws or losses when I’m with you. What’s weird is that every time I watch their game by myself at home, they win! Call it pure coincidence, but it’s not something that I’m willing to take a chance again this season, especially considering Arsenal are winning every game. Maybe we should start watching ARSENAL’S game together, but then with your luck Arsenal would trot out 8-0 winners every time. Shit, buck up Man U.
I have to say this out loud, Fr3d0, and don’t be angry. But the law of probabilities would agree with me on this one. Manchester United has NEVER won whenever I watch their game with you, period. No exceptions like Cup games or friendlies. ALL their games ended in draws or losses when I’m with you. What’s weird is that every time I watch their game by myself at home, they win! Call it pure coincidence, but it’s not something that I’m willing to take a chance again this season, especially considering Arsenal are winning every game. Maybe we should start watching ARSENAL’S game together, but then with your luck Arsenal would trot out 8-0 winners every time. Shit, buck up Man U.
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