Speaking with Numbers in Penang Hokkien

In Penang Hokkien, some combination of numbers form words with specific meaning. While a few of these are puns, a number of them are actual word with are in regular use. The following are some of the words formed with numbers or are numbered puns.

584 (gor33peik1see3)
This word means lecherous, wanton, lewd and carnal. It is used to describe person given to fleshly desires.

5354 (mm33sam1mm33see3)
The reading mm33sam1mm33see3 is believe to be Cantonese, though this term is also often pronounced in Penang Hokkien as mm33sam1mm33see3 and mm33snar1mm33see3 , in which case the literal meaning is "not three not four". This number carries the figurative meaning of doing things improperly, especially with an element of indecency.

38 (sam3pat3)
This word means crazy or demented. It could well have been borrowed from Cantonese, though the literary reading of Hokkien for these two numbers is also sam3pat3.

7788 (chit1chit1pek1pek3)
This word means an activity that is nearing its completion or fulfillment. You can use it to describe a particular job or work that is in progress.

3/4 (snar3su3ku4)
Literally meaning "three quarters", this word carries the figurative meaning of "slightly crazy", similar to the English "three quarters" or "a sandwich short of a picnic".

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Please use the information on this page as guidance only. The author endeavours to update the information on this page from time to time, but regrets any inaccuracies if there be any.

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