How Phua Chu Kang's Singlish Catchphrases Stirred A National Controversy

Phua Chu Kang is Singapore’s longest-running sitcom with over 160 episodes across 8 seasons from 1997 to 2007. The series revolves around an eccentric contractor and his family, Singaporeans who used Singlish catchphrases like "don't play play!" and "use your blain!" liberally.

But back in the 90s, then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong called out the use of Singlish in PCK, during his National Day Rally speech.

When the cast of Phua Chu Kang was reunited for an episode of #OnTheRedDot, actor Gurmit Singh revealed that he was so worried that he was ready to migrate. Some wondered if the show would be cancelled.

The PCK production team made changes to the show - like tweaking "abuden" to "ah but then", and had Phua Chu Kang attend an English course.

The beloved TV character and his catchphrases have been featured in Public Service Announcement (PSA) music videos. In 2003, Phua Chu Kang rapped about SARS and in 2020, about COVID-19 in ‘Singapore Be Steady’ (lyrics included ‘‘Our frontline workers, don’t play play.")

Watch the full episode of Phua Chu Kang Reunion: How's Singapore's Favourite Contractor?:    • Phua Chu Kang Reunion: How's Singapore's F...  

WATCH more ‘reunions’ of popular TV series on #OnTheRedDot:
Under One Roof & Growing Up:    • Family Reunion: Under One Roof And Growing...  
Singapore Idol:    • Видео  

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