Definition of "kiasu" []

• Afraid to lose out. (adjective)
• A fear of losing used to describe a person who is overly competitive. (noun)

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• "The huge jump in prices did not surprise me, because Singaporeans are basically very "kiasu" at heart, causing prices to escalate at the prospect of the supply of COEs falling."
• "Called KiasuParents. com -- the word "kiasu" means overly competitive -- it allows parents to compare notes on private learning centres, with 21,000 members registered since September"
• "For the benefit of Singaporeans, it is much better for them to be less 'kiasu' and adopt a more accommodative attitude, especially with neighbours like Malaysia."