die liao meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

die liao

phrase

Singapore /ˈdaɪ˦ ljaʊ˨˩/

Etymology die + liao (indicates a change of state), from Hokkien 了 (liáu) or Teochew 了 (liao²), with the tone of Mandarin 了 (liǎo). Partial calque of Hokkien 死了 (sí liáu).

Manglish, Singlish, Excessive Used to suggest that one is doomed, or as good as dead.

[…] the exam so hard, i die liao lah (that paper was tough as hell, i'm sure to flunk).2001 September 19, destrius', Everything2:
dont join smrt lar.. with their frequent breakdowns, they are facing alot^([sic]) of scrutiny from the public, stakeholders and regulators. anything goes wrong n they need a scapegoat den u die liao.2014 September 2, Unregistered, “Engineer in SMRT”, in Salary.sg Forums, archived from the original on 22 Mar 2014:

Manglish, Singlish Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see die, liao.