still
I am fascinated
by your spirit
by your haste
that at will
I am moved
by your words
by your aura
that at will
I am fixated
by your worth
by your curve
that at will
I am awed
by your magic
by your zest
still
I will
for life
still
.
.
.
(Version in Hokkien)
Cho Lang Cho Ka Ho
Ow Lai Tit Tiok Po
Cho Lang Cho Sniau Phnai
Ow Lai Tok Ay Chai
.
(Version in English)
Be a good person
In order to prosper in the future
If one tries to be bad
The future would be uncertain..
.
About this rhyme/saying:~
This rhyme/saying encourages one to do good always.
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..
.
.
.
(Version in Hokkien)
Khar Chwni Chiam
Kui Jit Chay Bay Tiam
Khar Sneh Seng Gatai
Titi Sniau Khi Kai Kai
.
(Version in English)
Young boy has sharp buttocks
Can’t sit still the whole day
The leg itches without a reason
Always look for excuses to go out..
.
About this rhyme:~
‘Khar Chwni Chiam’ is a Hokkien phrase that describes hyperactive people or those who possesses this trait.
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..
.
.
.
(Version in Hokkien)
Gong Knia Sai
Puak Tai Sai
Tua Sit Pai
Bor An Chnua Kau Tai
.
(Version in English)
Dumb groom
Went gambling
Loses all
Later who’d be responsible for your wife?
.
About this rhyme:~
This rhyme speaks about what gambling can do to the newly weds. ‘Tai Sai’ is a type of game gamblers play.
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..
.
.
.
(Version in Hokkien)
Bo Ch’wooi Khi Sai
Kong Uwa Ch’ow Ling Tai
Chiak Pnui Kong Sai
Chin Ch’nya Bo Akai
.
(Version in English)
One with no teeth
Slurs in his speech
Talks cock at the dining table
A brainless person..
.
About this rhyme:~
This rhyme criticizes inconsiderate people but it can also be used to poke fun at close ones who accidentally slurs.
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..
.
.
.
(Version in Hokkien)
Apek Khi Chwee Tar
Ah Po Khi Latar
Apek Soak Ah Phien
Ah Po Khnuar Liau Gien
.
(Version in English)
Old man was thirsty
Old woman caught fit
Old man smoking opium
Old woman was tempted..
.
About this rhyme:~
The is a fun but meaningless rhyme. ‘Apek’ and ‘Ah Po’ is used to address senior citizens whom we are unfamiliar with.
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..
.
.
.
(Version in Hokkien)
Ho Lai Ho Khi
Oo Pai Oo Por Pi
Oo Chiak Oo Chai Khi
Oo Cheng Oo Hock Khi
.
(Version in English)
One good turn deserves another
If one prays one will surely be blessed
Eat well and there is wealth in store
Dress well and there’d be fortune coming..
.
About this rhyme:~
The first two lines of this rhyme is sound advice. However, the last two sounded like a superstition!
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..
.
.
.
(Version in Hokkien)
Apek Hor Gu Tek
Ah Mm Hor Chim Gnek
Apek Bay Apong
Ah Mm Thiow Tam Pong
Apek Chay Mui Teng
Ah Mm Thiow Ronggeng
Apek Tiok Boh Hu
Ah Mm Chiak Huan Chu
Apek Khi Ooi Knua
Ah Mm Lau Chin Knua
.
(Version in English)
Uncle was underpinned by a cow
Auntie was bitten by a crab
Uncle sells ‘Apong’ (a local savory made with eggs and grated coconut)
Auntie dances the ‘Tampong’ (a local Malay dance)
Uncle sits on the threshold of the door
Auntie dances the “Ronggeng’ (another local Malay dance)
Uncle catches no fish for the day
Auntie ended up eating baked potatoes
Uncle started feeling the goose bumps
Auntie started to sweat profusely..
.
About this rhyme:~
This is a rhyme recited in jest and centers around an uncle and auntie.
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..
.
.
.
