Mat is a Singaporean racial slur used to refer to a Malay man, derived from the common Malay name 'Muhammad' shortened to 'Mat.' While it has roots as a neutral nickname, it has taken on negative or stereotyping connotations in certain contexts, particularly when used by non-Malays.
Mat is a Singaporean racial slur used to refer to a Malay man, derived from the common Malay name 'Muhammad' shortened to 'Mat.' While it has roots as a neutral nickname, it has taken on negative or stereotyping connotations in certain contexts, particularly when used by non-Malays. Singaporean Malays themselves sometimes reclaim the term in-group. Its register and offensiveness depend heavily on who is using it and how.
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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The film drew criticism for leaning too hard on the mat stereotype instead of developing its Malay characters fully.
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(Singapore, racial slur) a Malay man.
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