play-play

English

Etymology 1

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

Verb

play-play (invariable)

1. (Manglish, Singlish) To mess around; to play around.

   Don't play-play hor. ― Don't play around, alright?

   • 2009, Jean Tay, Boom, Epigram Books, →ISBN, Act I, scene iv:

     […] Don’t play play... This is not your basic luxury condo. […]

Etymology 2

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

Adjective

play-play (comparative more play-play, superlative most play-play)

1. (South Africa, colloquial) Fake, toy, make-believe
   • 1989 December, Edgars Christmas Catalogue:

     They’re at the age when they want more than just a play-play watch.