/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”.