pronoun
simi
see-mee
Simi (pronoun) means used in some varieties of English (influenced by Chinese "what") to mean "what" or "what kind of.". Example: “Simi lah, you never told me the meeting moved!”
pronoun
1
Used in some varieties of English (influenced by Chinese "what") to mean "what" or "what kind of."
""Simi lah, you never told me the meeting moved!""
2
Used to mean "any" or "whatever," as in a dismissive or general reference.
"Simi also can't satisfy him — nothing is ever good enough."
noun
1
A short sword or dagger traditionally carried by Kikuyu men in Kenya.
"The museum displayed a simi with a carved wooden handle."
How to use simi
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMainly known as Singlish/Malaysian English slang for "what," separate from its unrelated meaning as a Kikuyu dagger.
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Word forms
- Plural
- simis
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"_____ lah, you never told me the meeting moved!"
Etymology
The pronoun use comes from Hokkien 甚物 / 什麼 (sím-mi̍h, "what"), borrowed into Singlish and Malaysian English.
Rhymes for simi
See all rhymes for simi →Frequently asked questions
What does “simi” mean?
The word “simi” means used in some varieties of English (influenced by Chinese "what") to mean "what" or "what kind of.". In plain terms, mainly known as Singlish/Malaysian English slang for "what," separate from its unrelated meaning as a Kikuyu dagger.
How do you pronounce “simi”?
“Simi” is pronounced see-mee ([si˦mi˦˨] in IPA).
How do you use “simi” in a sentence?
Here is “simi” used in a sentence: “"Simi lah, you never told me the meeting moved!".”
What part of speech is “simi”?
Depending on how it is used, “simi” can be a pronoun and a noun.
Where does the word “simi” come from?
The word “simi” comes from Malay. The pronoun use comes from Hokkien 甚物 / 什麼 (sím-mi̍h, "what"), borrowed into Singlish and Malaysian English.
How many meanings does “simi” have?
“Simi” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used in some varieties of English (influenced by Chinese "what") to mean "what" or "what kind of.".
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