“Chut chut” — Is this how Singaporeans call waiters to order? How about “Hi waiter, can I have the menu please?”

SINGAPORE: A meme depicting how Singaporeans allegedly ask for the menu from F&B personnel has caught the attention of netizens, many of whom weren’t sure if it is common in Singapore.

A meme comparing how Americans and Singaporeans allegedly ask for the menu when out to eat was recently shared on SGAG’s Facebook page. By the American flag was the phrase, “Hi water, can I have the menu please?” By the Singaporean flag was a picture of a mouth with the expression “Chut chut” written on it. A person seemed to be mouthing the expression.

The meme was captioned, “Next time please call properly lah!”

Many netizens made a beeling for the comments section to share their two cents on the matter. While some rode along with the joke, many argued that they didn’t hear the phrase used when out.

“I don’t think I have ever seen this in Singapore, lah,” said one.

“Now it is very rare to hear it in Singapore,” said another. “Either self-service, go take orders at the stall, (most restaurants) use a tablet or scan QR scan.”

“I’ve actually never heard anyone chut at waiters!” said a third. “But last time when I was younger, uncles (would) chut a lot.”

“Especially those sitting at kopitiams,” replied another.

Still, others took the time to share their sentiments about people lacking manners. “I really don’t like when people do it,” said one. “Fortunately, it’s already quite rare.”

Another wrote, “Treat service workers with respect, please.”

“People nowadays, manners out the window,” said a third.

Still, a few argued that the expression is used more in Malaysia than in Singapore, with one saying, “Chut chut is Malaysia lah… Singapore is Skew me… got menu?”

@pengjoon

You know you’re Malaysian when you call your waiter with 😘 😘 #greatbritain🇬🇧 #versus #malaysia #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #kiss #😘

♬ original sound – Peng Joon

“Huh, This (is) in Malaysia,” said another. “Plus, overseas, the equivalent of chut chut is they snap their fingers…the wrong comparison.”

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