by Dr Rahim Said
Fellow Malaysians, let us take a moment to bask in a small but significant victory — our beloved alamak, nasi lemak, and even mat rempit have made it into the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).
Yes, the same dictionary that once only recognised amok as the defining Malay contribution to the English language has finally decided that we are more than just a people prone to berserk rampages.
This is a proud moment, not just for linguists but for all of us who have instinctively used these words without ever pausing to wonder if the rest of the world understood. Now, they do. It’s a Malaysian upgrade.
The OED’s latest update officially acknowledges what we have always known — Malaysia’s language is as rich and flavourful as our food, which, by the way, also dominates the new entries.
Nasi lemak, ketupat, kaya toast, and otak-otak are no longer just dishes we crave; they are now global vocabulary.
This recognition goes beyond words. It is a testament to our history, culture, and the unique way we Malaysians express ourselves.
Tapau, a word born from Cantonese but embraced by all, reflects our practical nature.
Mat rempit, whether we like it or not, is now a cultural phenomenon acknowledged beyond our borders.
And terror, which we so cleverly use to mean both “amazing” and “terrible,” proves that Malaysians have long mastered the art of irony.
The world is finally taking notice of our linguistic identity — not just as a footnote in history but as a living, evolving force.
So, to all Malaysians, let us rejoice and continue to use our words proudly. Who knows? Perhaps in the next OED update, we’ll see gostan, mampus, and aiyo join the ranks.
Until then, let’s enjoy this little linguistic victory. After all, we have come a long way from just running amok.
WE