play-play

English

Etymology 1

Reduplication of play, influenced by Malay grammar (Malay main-main), or a calque of Mandarin 玩玩 (wánwan).

Verb

play-play (invariable)

  1. (Manglish, Singlish) To mess around, to play around; to take things lightly.
    Don't play-play hor. ― Don't play around, alright?
    • 2009, Jean Tay, Boom, Epigram Books, →ISBN, Act I, scene iv:
      […] Don’t play play... This is not your basic luxury condo. […]

Etymology 2

Reduplication of play, possibly influenced by Afrikaans speel-speel.

Adjective

play-play (comparative more play-play, superlative most play-play)

  1. (South Africa, colloquial) Fake, toy, make-believe
    • 1989 December, Edgars Christmas Catalogue:
      They’re at the age when they want more than just a play-play watch.
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