Yes, Singlish, the tortured product of Singaporeans' grappling with English, emerged tops in a street poll of 116 people who were asked just what the qualities that make a true-blue Singaporean are.

According to 30 respondents, only Singaporeans hor, could unnerstand a sentence like this one leh.

'The moment I speak, people know I am Singaporean,' said secretary Teresa Yeo, 60.

A close second was the Singaporean's passion for food, glorious food - picked by 29 people.

Knowing where to get the best dishes and an obsession with eating will always serve Singaporeans well with their fellow countrymen. Of course, chicken rice was the highest-scoring dish in the poll: 'With lots of extra hot chilli,' enthused student Lan Huishan, 21.

'Kiasuism' - the fear of losing out- was third, with 26 picking it. Undergraduate Jeremy Sor, 23, was unstinting in his analysis: 'The spirit of kiasuism manifests itself in Singaporeans' endless pursuit of success.'

Success at the expense of courtesy, say many, probably thinking of how people here rush to get that last MRT seat.

'Kiasuism' may include queue-cutting, but the ability to stand in a line was another trait cited by 18 people.

Queues may frustrate, which may explain why griping and whining were the fifth most cited essential traits of a Singaporean. 'I can find something to complain about, no matter where I am or what I am doing,' said analyst Jane Huang, 22.