Once you arrive in Sabah, it doesn’t matter if you are from West Malaysia, Sarawak, or Indonesia where everyone speaks Bahasa Melayu/Malaysia, Sabah slang is like a whole new language. But do not fret, for here is a simple guide for you to use when you’re in Sabah so that you don’t have to worry about purchasing a dictionary.

“Boleh bah kalau kau"

This literally translates to “Can bah if you”. Though it does not make any sense in English, to define it lightly, it means “anything for you”. This term can be used to reassure someone, give permission to, or used entirely in satire. For example:

A: Hey, may I use your toilet?
B: Boleh bah kalau kau (to give permission to).

A: Bro, can you buy me lunch? I’m flat broke.
B: Boleh bah kalau kau (satire).

“Sana Ranau"

This is to emphasise a place or a person that is out of reach or far away. This term is just an exaggerated expression and normally used in a joking matter.

A: Where is Kathlyn?
B: Saaaaaaaaaaaanaa Ranau.

“Bebeh oh kau / dia"

For all your Han Solos or singles out there, this term can come in handy for you. ‘Bebeh’ is a word play of the word ‘baby’ and it is used to express someone good-looking. A good example would be when you’re scrolling down your Instagram news feed or the explore page and you stumble upon a hottie that’s worthy of a double tap, the first thing you will say is “Bebeh oh dia!”.

“Astaga”

This term can be used an expression of disbelief and surprise. It is Sabah’s and Indonesia’s version of ‘oh my gosh’. For example, when your favourite Korean drama character wakes up with amnesia, you can say, “Astaga, I knew it.”

“Kurang asam”

This literally translates to “less sour” or “lack of sour” is commonly used when one is irritated. Let’s picture a scenario where your friend wants to make a viral YouTube video by filming a pranking video and he has unfortunately chosen you as his victim. The best way to express that frustration is by exclaiming “kurang asam kau!”. However, if someone says this to you and you want to make a good comeback, you can always say “tambah limau lah! (add some lime then!)”.

“Moginum"

Moginum is a Kadazan word for ‘drink’. Let’s say you had a stressful day at work and want to have a bro’s night out to chill and de-stress, you just use this expression and everyone in Sabah will know what you mean.

“Bro, jom moginum!”
“Boleh bah kalau kau!”

Aramaiti

Now aramaiti and moginum go hand-in-hand together like peanut butter and jelly. You can’t have a moginum sesh without shouting aramaiti. Aramaiti is also another Kadazan word that means ‘cheers’. The Chinese have ‘ganbei’, the Japanese have ‘kanpai’, and we have Arrrrraaamaiitiiiii. It helps to win the locals when you roll your ‘r’ as you say it.

Bah

The most famous (infamous) slang that literally every Sabahan knows and uses. It can be used in both ways as an expression or an emphasis in a sentence to express approval, to ask questions, or just to use it as the word ‘okay’. It may be tricky but just by trying, the locals will be more than appreciative towards your efforts to learn their slang.

So that is it with the guide to Sabah slang, just follow these guides and you’ll fit in with the Sabahans in no time!