Kiasu

Kaisu...it’s like FOMO for winning.

Kaisu is of Chinese origin, meaning basically "afraid to lose." If you’re acting in a kaisu manner (it’s an adjective), it’s obvious you want to win, and be (or get) the best of the best.

That doesn’t sound so bad. After all, the competitiveness that grows economies comes from kaisu in a sense. But there’s a negative connotation that comes with being kiasu. People who are being kiasu might not have too many friends. They’re probably rude to people they know (like...one-upping them and not sharing), as well as to strangers, like shoving their way through a crowd to a counter, or demanding to speak to Mr. Manager.

While kiasu is of Chinese origin, it’s mainly used in Singapore nowadays (the Chinese of the Fujian dialect brought the term with them to Singapore). Do you kiasu? Check yo'self before you wreck yo'self, dog (especially if you’re in Singapore...the rules are different there).