Word Type: Noun / Colloquial Slang
Definition: A young woman or girl, typically of Chinese descent; used informally as a descriptor or address.
Example: “The amoi at the drinks stall recommended the iced lemon tea.”
History & Origin: Derived from the Cantonese phrase â-mòi (阿妹), which literally translates to “little sister” or “young girl.” In Malaysia and Singapore, the term crossed cultural lines into everyday Manglish across all ethnic communities as a common, informal way to refer to young Chinese women.
Usage Tip: Widely used in everyday casual settings like hawker centers, markets, and shop. If a girl is pretty enough to be called leng lui, Amoi will be the most polite way.