What it means
A very Singaporean way to ask if something's possible, acceptable, or doable. You use it instead of longer stuff like can you do it or is that okay. It's clipped, efficient, and totally normal in Singlish. The reply is often just can or cannot, nice and clean, no extra seasoning unless the mood wants some lah.
Usage examples
"The reservation is for eight but we are running late, reach at eight-thirty can or not? Just let the restaurant know lah"
"Meet at six for dinner, can or not?"
"I asked if he could lend me the charger, can or not, and he just nodded."
"Tomorrow submit by noon can or not? If cannot, tell me early hor."
"You drive us to JB tonight can or not? Bus queue damn shag leh."
Where it comes from
It comes from Singlish shaping English into a tighter, quicker street rhythm. The frame uses can plus or not, trimming longer Standard English questions like can you or can't you or is it possible or not into one compact, everyday form that's deeply rooted in Singapore speech.
Editors of this term
Good-Vibes Courier Official watcher of this expression
Tell me, what have you got for me?