(Singapore, colloquial, mildly, _, derogatory) Afraid to lose out, particularly because one is overly competitive.
Kiasu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Kiasu "Mr.
# Kiasu Kiasu **Kiasu** ni [lugha ya Kiniger-Kongo](https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lugha_za_Kiniger-Kongo "Lugha za Kiniger-Kongo") nchini [Nigeria](https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria "Nigeria") inayozungumzwa na [W…
(Singapore, colloquial, mildly, _, derogatory) Afraid to lose out, particularly because one is overly competitive.
No wonder the parents acted that way, she said. They were just being kia-su (afraid to lose out).
"kiasu" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning afraid to lose out, particularly because one is overly competitive. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.
"kiasu" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning afraid to lose out, particularly because one is overly competitive. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
Add your own interpretation of "kiasu".
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(Singapore, colloquial, mildly, _, derogatory) A kiasi person.
(Singapore, Singlish, mildly, _, derogatory) The mindset associated with being kiasu (overly competitive and afraid to lose out).
(Singapore, Singlish, mildly, _, derogatory) The quality of being kiasu (overly competitive and afraid to lose out).
(Singapore, Singlish, mildly, _, derogatory) The quality of being kiasi, a stereotypically Singaporean attitude associated with being overly wary and willing to take excessive measures to avoid risk.
"kiasu" is highly informal and vulgar English meaning afraid to lose out, particularly because one is overly competitive. It is part of Singapore / Malaysian English. A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "afraid to lose out" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake for non-native speakers is to use "kiasu" thinking it is neutral; in fact it is rude and can offend, so avoid it in writing or in any professional setting. If you are a B2 or C1 learner, it is useful to recognise this word when you hear or read it, but think carefully about whether the situation really calls for it before using it yourself.
(Singapore, colloquial, mildly, _, derogatory) A kiasu person.
Apart from the kiasis and kiasus, there are also Singaporeans at the other end of the scale – the healthcare workers who put their lives at risk.
“Kiasu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Kiasu "Mr.”
“# Kiasu Kiasu **Kiasu** ni [lugha ya Kiniger-Kongo](https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lugha_za_Kiniger-Kongo "Lugha za Kiniger-Kongo") nchini [Nigeria](https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria "Nigeria") inayozungumzwa na [Waasu](https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waasu?action=edit&redlink=1 "Waasu").”