"Loh Soh" (LS)

The term "Loh Soh" has got to be one of the most important colloquial expressions of all time. Singaporeans love to use this expression as we are typically impatient always rushing from point A to B. If there is any other phrase to depict life in sunny Singapore, it would be this.

However, the usage of the term "Loh Soh" is typically ascribed to others, it is never used in reference to  oneself. Like all Singaporean Abbreviations, the true nature of the term refers to a third party that is long-winded. I am also mindful of this as I write so that I will not be terms as someone long-winded as well.

But that said, we are all entitled to our own opinions. We like to think that we are right, but others are not so right as we are. Of course, who doesn't? I have yet to meet someone who thinks they are wrong 90% of the time. It would be hard to get into any kind of conversation with this person because it would quite disinteresting to talk about anything. It might boost my ego for a while, but I might start to think this person is needy.

Anyway, a person who is typically long-winded or is unable to find a precise or concise manner to express themselves would be deemed as someone who is "Loh Soh" or long-winded. This could be as a result of a few factors. One of which could be the poor vocabulary of the speaker and thus their inability to express themselves well enough to convey their points across.

The other reason could be the listener and the fact that they are probably getting impatient just listening to them beat about the bush, or not getting straight to the point. It has something to do with the way we are brought up I think. We are mostly educated in the British educational style where we are encouraged to express ourselves in many different ways and forms, but when we graduate as adults and enter into higher levels of learning, some of us are educated in the American way of doing things which is basically no frills and to the point.

Each style of learning has its benefits and likewise could be the reason why some people interact with each other differently these days. The trouble with that could be due to the lack of patience in most people, and thus the labeling of others who may have a need to share more background information when they speak as - "Loh Soh".. :)