Draw it in Singlish

The Chinese Lunar New Year has come and gone heralding the arrival of the year of the Tiger with splashes of red, feasting and merry-making by families and friends.

The reunion of families which starts on the eve of the new year and continues over the days that follow, where traditionally many families would gather at a large table to laugh the hours away over card games.

Looking on would be the children wavering between boredom and worry over the 5cents bets being placed by the adults confident of their deck in hand.

The scene has been repeated in many households and over many years, with only variations being made to players and the game of choice.

This year, for something different and just as fun for the adults as well as children, put aside the mahjong set and cards for Pictionary, and if you can get your hands on it, the Singapore Limited Edition set.

The board game by Mattel arrived in Singapore late 2009 offering players a twist to the game that only calls for pencil, paper and wicked wit.

Developed with the help of local netizens, Mattel compiled a list of 500 Singapore-flavoured words that went into Pictionary Classic – Singapore Limited Edition.

Sitting down with the family one evening for a Singlish Pictionary bout left everyone in tears, from laughing too hard.

Taking on the challenge were three kids aged between 12 and 18 years of age, an expat, and a pair of mums – one who was very certain she could draw, and the other believing the very opposite.

Was it any surprise that a packet of tissue paper was sketched for the word “chope” or that everyone (including expat) knew the face with a mole could be none other than Phua Chu Kang.

Everyone’s favourite was the wild card when everyone had the chance to draw and the first team to call out the correct answer winning the point.

As the night wore on, the players had so much with wild card that eventually the rules were tossed as everyone began peeking at each others’ sketches and calling out their guesses. This was especially when grandma decided to join the fun on hearing the loud guffaws and squeals, amid mock horror expressions of “what are you drawing ??!!”

If you’re shopping for your Chinese Lunar New Year gathering, make a detour from the supermarket and clothes shelves and take a peek in the toys and games department for Pictionary Classic - Singapore Edition.

Alternatively, go shopping online for a set at www.pictionary.sg .

Only 5,500 units of this uniquely Singapore Pictionary set were produced, each with its own numbered certificate of authenticity, so this makes it an even greater investment for the home and family.

< Previous entry: Most Bizarre House Pets

> Next entry: Zen meditation fends off pain

Draw it in Singlish

Navigation