Meaning
In Singapore English, kiasu describes a fear of losing out or a strong drive not to miss an advantage, and by extension can describe behaviour seen as overly competitive, acquisitive, or determined to get ahead.
How it is used
National Library Board history of the Mr Kiasu comics explicitly explains the 'afraid of losing' sense and its 1990s Singapore social resonance; NUS research also documents kiasu as a recognisable CSE resource in local advertising.
Examples
- “He queued before dawn because he very kiasu about getting the deal.”
- “The joke works because the character turns kiasu behaviour into an exaggerated personality.”
Tone and register
Kiasu can be teasing, self-deprecating, critical, admiring of preparedness, or sharply negative depending on what behaviour is being judged.
Visitor guidance
Avoid using kiasu as a blanket personality label for Singaporeans. Apply it to a sourced behaviour or stance in context, not to nationality, ethnicity, class, education, or character by default.
Cultural context
The word became a visible cultural shorthand in Singapore, especially through Mr Kiasu, but popular self-parody is not evidence that every resident behaves the same way.
Places represented
Open the reviewed place guide for each regional sense carried by this canonical entry.