Table of Contents
Introduction
Ever been in a jeepney, overhearing some chikahan, and thought, ‘Ano daw?’ or even better, ‘Ano daw?’ Yeah, been there, done that. And who could forget the classic, ‘Ha? …Hakdog’? Welcome to the wild, wacky, and wonderfully weird world of Filipino slang words. Hold on to your halo-halo, because we’re diving deep into 51 mind-blowing slang words that’ll have you blending in at the next inuman or karaoke session faster than you can say ‘Isa pa nga!’ And trust me, after this, you won’t just be the life of the party; you’ll be the freakin’ party. So, tara! Let’s get this fiesta of words rolling and make sure you’re not the last one to shout, ‘Shot na!
The Art of Filipino Wordplay: A Glimpse into the History
Filipinos have a rich tradition of wordplay, and this creativity shines brightly in the realm of slang. But where does this knack for inventive language come from?
Colonial Influences: The Philippines, with its history of Spanish and American colonization, has a linguistic tapestry woven with words from various origins. This blending of languages, primarily Tagalog, Spanish, and English, has given birth to unique colloquialisms. For instance, the slang word “jowa,” which means significant other, is believed to have evolved from the Spanish word “novia,” meaning girlfriend.
Baliktad Words: Filipinos love to play with words by reversing them. “Lodi” and “Werpa” are classic examples, being the reverse of “idol” and “power” respectively. This playful inversion is a testament to the Filipino’s love for humor and wit.
Pop Culture and Media: Filipino slang is heavily influenced by popular culture, both local and international. Television shows, movies, and more recently, social media platforms and K-Pop, have introduced new words and phrases into the everyday vernacular. “Gandara Park,” for instance, is a nod to the K-Pop star Sandara Park.
Local Flavor: The Philippines, being an archipelago with over 7,000 islands, has a multitude of dialects and regional languages. This diversity means that slang words can originate from a local dialect and then become popular nationwide.
Adaptability: Filipinos are known for their adaptability, and this extends to language. They easily adopt foreign words, give them a unique twist, and make them their own. This fusion of the local and the foreign creates a dynamic and ever-evolving slang vocabulary.
Read next: Shuta mga Parehhh! The Conyo Culture Uncovered
The List: Filipino Slang Words
- Petmalu: An impressive or amazing person or thing.
- Werpa: Refers to power or strength; often used to cheer someone on.
- Lodi: A term of admiration, derived from the reverse spelling of “idol.”
- Rapsa: Expresses satisfaction, especially with food.
- Beshie/Besh/Bes: A term of endearment, equivalent to “best friend.”
- Dehins: Means “no” or “not.”
- Chika: Gossip or a piece of interesting news.
- Char/Chariz: Indicates something is a joke or not serious.
- Echoserang Frog: Someone who loves to joke or exaggerate.
- Jowa: A romantic partner or significant other.
- Kyah: A casual term to address a male person, similar to “bro.”
- Mumsh: A term of endearment, similar to “mom” or “sis.”
- Walwal: To indulge or party hard.
- Forda Ferson: A playful way to say “for the person.” (Get the shirt here)
- Mars/Mare/Marecakes: Friendly terms for addressing someone, akin to “friend” or “sis.”
- Maritess: A person who enjoys gossiping.
- Anyare: A colloquial way to ask “What happened?”
- Ano daw?: Means “What did they say?” or “Come again?”.
- Alam Na This: Implies shared knowledge or understanding about something.
- Dasurv: A playful take on the word “deserve.”
Read next: 41 Hilarious Expressions From Your Conyo Cousins.
- Naur: A dramatic way to say “no.” Borrowed from the Australians.
- Naol/Sana All: Expressing envy or the desire to have what others have. (Get the sweatshirt)
- Yarn: A colloquial term for “that.”
- Ganern: A playful affirmation, similar to “like that.”
- Omcm/Omsim: Derived from “mismo,” meaning “exactly.”
- Lods: Another term for “Lodi” or “idol.”
- Korique: A fun version of the word “correct.”
- Pa-mine: Claiming an item, especially in online shopping.
- Budol: Impulse buying influenced by social media trends.
- I-add To Cart Mo Na: A nudge to add items to an online shopping cart.
- Awit: Expressing disappointment or dismay.
- Yorme: A playful term for “mayor.”
- Eguls: Derived from “lugi,” indicating a loss.
- I-Tulfo/Na-Tulfo: Referring to being reported to a popular TV show.
- Apakaganda: An exaggerated way to say “very beautiful.”
- Pusuan Mo: Encouraging someone to “like” or “heart” something.
- Matsala: A playful version of “thank you.”
- Ano Na?: Asking “What now?” or “What’s next?”
- Bet: Expressing agreement or approval. Borrowed from American English.
- Push Mo ‘Yan: Encouraging someone to continue or pursue something.
- … As A Friend: Doing couple-like activities without romantic implications.
- How To Be You Po?: Admiring someone and wanting to emulate them.
- SKL: An abbreviation for “Just sharing.”
- AFAM: Refers to a foreigner in Manila.
- Bekenemen: A colloquial way to say “maybe” or “perhaps.”
- Sana All: Expressing hope that everyone can experience the same good fortune or situation.
- Amaccana accla: Calling out someone’s problematic or disruptive behavior.
- Sibinilibin: A playful term for the convenience store “7/11.”
- Ba’t malungkot ang beshie ko?: Why is my best friend (or close friend) sad? A meme originated from a TV show.
- Ha? …Hakdog: A playful way to say “What?”, with “Hakdog” added for comedic effect, inspired by memes.
- Pangit Mo Ka-Bonding!: You’re an unpleasant bonding companion!
Read next: 30 Filipino Dad Jokes na Swak sa Tawa at Kiliti ng Bawat Pilipino
Conclusion
Wrapping up our linguistic journey, it’s evident that the Filipino language is not just about words, but a reflection of the nation’s vibrant history, diverse culture, and the indomitable spirit of its people. From the echoes of colonial past to the beats of modern pop culture, every slang term tells a story. Whether you’re dropping a “jowa” here or a “lodi” there, remember that you’re not just speaking – you’re celebrating a rich tapestry of experiences, influences, and creativity. So, the next time you find yourself amidst a lively Pinoy conversation, dive in with gusto, and don’t forget to sprinkle in some of that local flavor. Hanggang sa muli, mga kaibigan! (Until next time, friends!)
