Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
alamak. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
alamak, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
alamak in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
alamak you have here. The definition of the word
alamak will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
alamak, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Unadapted borrowing from Malay alamak, see it for more.
Pronunciation
Interjection
alamak
- (colloquial, Malaysia, Singapore) Oh dear (expression of shock or dismay)
2019, Cherlynn Ng, “Near-collision with Mercedes going against traffic during rain in Yishun: 'So scary ah!'”, in AsiaOne:“Aiyo! Nearly langgar leh! So scary ah! Alamak! Why you go so fast!” he is heard exclaiming to a companion in his car.
Synonyms
Anagrams
Malay
Etymology
Probably contracted from Allah (“God”) + mak (“mother”), possibly under Portuguese influence (compare Kristang alamah (“Mother of God”)). Malaysian linguist Amat Juhari Moain suggested that the word is contracted from Arabic اللَّهُ مَعَكَ (al-lahu maʕaka), a traditional phrase meaning “May God be with you”.
Pronunciation
Interjection
alamak (Jawi spelling الامق)
- oh my God, (literally) Mother of God (expression of shock)
Further reading