(1st Version in Hokkien)
Kay Po Chni
Snar Uar Ee
Chiak Bo Kau
Ko Chai Thni.
.
(1st Version in English)
Busybody Spirit
Three bowls of glutinous rice balls (local sweet soup)
Still not enough
Again ask for another helping.
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(2nd Version in Hokkien)
Kay Po Chni
Sampat Ee
Chiak Bo Kau
Ko Chai Thni.
.
(2nd Version in English)
Busybody spirit
Ignorant aunty
Still not enough
Again ask for another helping.
.
(3rd Version in Hokkien)
Kay Po Chni
Sampat Ee
Bo Larng Chiak
Kar Ki Thni.
.
(3rd Version in English)
Busybody spirit
Ignorant aunty
No one eats
Serving oneself with another helping.
.
(4th Version in Hokkien)
Kay Po Chni
Tiam Ean Chi
Ean Chi Ang
Pek Chieu Chang
Chieu Chang Toe
Chay Mo Toe
Mo Toe Peng
Khar Ch’ooi Cheng.
.
(3rd Version in English)
Busybody spirit
Puts on the lipstick
The lipstick is red in color
Climbs up the tree
The tree fell
Sits on a motorcycle
The motorcycle overturned
Busybody has his buttocks swollen!
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About this rhyme:~
This rhyme pokes fun at busybodies or those who stick their noses into others affair, a trait that seldom people approve of. It is also used to vent anger at uninvited guest/gatecrashers.
The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..
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