/pʰaɪˈse/ Short form of paiseh, meaning to feel
embarrassed, shy, or to have shame. A common term used in Singapore and Malaysia (
particularly in Singaporean English, or “Singlish”), where it can also be used to mean “sorry”. Of Hokkien origin, derived from 歹勢 歹势 (phái-sè, “
embarrassed”). Rarely also spelt as “pai say”.