Monday, October 5, 2009

How Hokkiens greet each other when they meet

If you meet your neighbour in the morning, you say, "Good morning" and he will reciprocate with the same greeting. However when Hokkiens, especially the elderly meet each other, they will say "Lu chiak par ah boi? " [Have you eaten until you are full?]

According to a story, the Hokkiens had a hard life in the past and food was scarce. Hence it was a very happy thing to have food to eat. The greeting was a show of concern to friends or relatives.

Before I pen off, 'lu chiak par ah boi?'

1 comment:

iml said...

And when a family member comes home, and greet the elders of the family,that you're back, the reply would always be,"You are back?"