lobang

English

Etymology

From Malay lubang (“hole, opening, gap”), commonly misspelled and pronounced in Singapore as lobang.

Pronunciation

• (Singapore) IPA^(key): [ˌlo˧ˈbäŋ˦]

Noun

lobang (plural lobangs)

1. (Singapore, colloquial) A good deal or opportunity; pertaining to job offers, business opportunities or sales.
   • 1889 September 23, “Capital in the Straits”, in The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser‎, page 362:

     So long as these men have a lobang they will raise money in order to pay their debts, otherwise the European merchants are the sufferers.

   • 1900 February 22, “Amusing plagiarism”, in The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser‎, page 11:

     The first article consisted of [...] an obvious attempt to make a lobang for some vet. as an officer in charge of the abattoirs.

   • 1977 May 12, “Labourer to Make his Defence on Rape Charge”, in The Straits Times‎:

     The prosecution's last witness, Harun, testified that Yasin and another man approached him in early April 1972, saying that there was a "lobang" (opportunity) on Pulau Ubin.

   • 1998 August 21, sg.marketplace‎ (Usenet):

     any1 got lobang in getting fake rolex watches????pls reply in this newsgroup....thanks!

   • 2008 January 21, SC@UTS‎ (Usenet):

     With the ever-expanding job market here in the region, we have started a section on the job offering. If you have any job lobang, feel free to post it here for the community to forward to their acquaintances.

   • 2008 December 13, “8 Ways to be a Recessionista”, in TODAY‎:

     Being in Singapore, we are always looking out for sales lobang. It also doesn't hurt to save a few dollars, especially with the current economic situation.

   • 2011 April 13, pesspgde_05/06_yr2‎ (Usenet):

     anybody got lobang for basketball coach? Need to get one for my girls team. Preferably if you know the person personally and the coach is trustworthy and good:) Thanks!

Synonyms

• kang tow

Indonesian

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈlobaŋ/
• Hyphenation: lo‧bang

Noun

lobang

1. alternative form of lubang