Dictionary

play-play en · VERB · etymology 1

Etymology

Reduplication of play, influenced by Malay grammar (Malay main-main), or a calque of Mandarin 玩玩 (wánwan).

Meanings

1. (Manglish, Singlish, invariable) To mess around, to play around; to take things lightly.
   • Don't play-play hor.
   • […] Don’t play play... This is not your basic luxury condo. […] 2009, Jean Tay, Boom, Epigram Books, →ISBN, Act I, scene iv:

play-play en · ADJ · etymology 2

Etymology

Reduplication of play, possibly influenced by Afrikaans speel-speel.

Meanings

1. (South-Africa, colloquial) Fake, toy, make-believe
   • They’re at the age when they want more than just a play-play watch. 1989 December, Edgars Christmas Catalogue:

Forms