Meaning
In Singapore colloquial English, shiok expresses strong enjoyment, satisfaction, or pleasure and is especially common when something feels, tastes, or turns out extremely good.
How it is used
Singapore government material recognises shiok as a familiar Singlish word, while National Library Board writing glosses it as intense pleasure and connects it historically with Malay syok.
Examples
- “That bowl of laksa was shiok.”
- “After the long walk, the cold drink was damn shiok.”
Tone and register
Usually strongly positive and expressive; it can praise food, comfort, an experience, or a satisfying result.
Visitor guidance
Shiok is broader than 'delicious', so read the thing being evaluated. It can describe non-food experiences too, and using it performatively in every positive sentence can sound forced.
Cultural context
The word participates in Singapore's multilingual borrowing history and is also intelligible beyond Singapore in parts of the region. Current Singapore salience should not be confused with a claim of exclusive ownership.
Places represented
Open the reviewed place guide for each regional sense carried by this canonical entry.