Slang in any language is always fun to use. When we look at the different words or combinations of words created, it is always a unique and fascinating journey.
We use slang in English all the time. However, it is not the only language that uses slang. Like English, Filipino slang is a growing list.
Now that you know what slang is, you may want to expand your knowledge of Filipino slang words, so let’s work on the most interesting Filipino words.
Filipino Slang Words with Meanings
| Jowa | You can use this when referring to your special someone. Additionally, if you want to say someone is a girlfriend / boyfriend, don’t say “jowable.” |
| Charot | Also used as “char,” the word is widely used and is synonymous with the English expression “just joking.” |
| Chibog | This can be said to refer to eating or showing meal time. |
| Lodi | This is a postponed translation of the English word “idol.” You can use this word when talking to someone who is looking up to you. |
| Petmalu | This is a postponed translation of the Tagalog word for “malupet” or “malupit,” which is similar to the English words “amazing” or “awesome.” |
| Mumshie | This is a great way to call your birth mother, or any woman much older than you. |
| Werpa | The term was part of everyday conversation and could be used to express deep support for another person. |
| Keri | If someone asks you if you can do something and the answer is yes, you can use this word instead of expressing your confidence that you can do it. |
| Bes/Beshie | You can use this as a term of love for your close friends. It can be added to both oral and digital chats. |
| Praning | This is used to describe a crazy person. Note that you should only use this with your close friends as this may be considered disrespectful to other people. |
| Chika | If you want to ask someone what happened to them, you can simply say, “anong chika?” |
| Kyah | This is a delightful take on the Tagalog word for “to” or big brother in English. You can use this when talking to men you do not know well. |
| Tsikot | This Tagalog slang means “car” or car in English. |
| Tigok | Apart from this, you can also use the word “dedo” to mean something / someone is dead. |
| Wafy/Wafa | You can use this word to refer to a good-looking person. |
| Dehins | This is another play on the Tagalog word “hindi” or “no” in English. |
| Susmaryosep | This is one of the most widely used methods involving the Holy Names of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. |
| Mumu | This Filipino slang can be used to refer to ghosts or spirits, but it can also be used to describe something that is cheap or artificial. |
| Basta | If you do not want to explain something, you can use this word to end the statement. |
| Anak Ng Kamote | In Filipino the word ‘anak ng kamote’ means “son of a potato”. So, this slang is used when you express your anger about something. |
| Diba | That means “Right?” or “Isn’t it?”. It is often used to ask a question, such as a Yung jacket mo, diba? Or, “That’s your coat, isn’t it? |
| Jeproks | This is the real Filipino name. When a person is called a jeproks, it means that he is cool and relaxed. It usually refers to someone with a lot of street skills or from projects. |
| Churva | In Filipino, the word ‘churva’ in English means “I have no words”. The Filipino word slang also serves as a filling if you can think of something else to say. |
| Agik | The Filipino word, ‘agik’ means in English “okay” or “all right.” |
| Kilig | It describes that first giddy love you feel completely. |
| Chibugan Na | Chibugan means “meal time”. You could also think of it as “come and get it!” |
| Gigil | It is used to describe that feeling when you just want to squeeze something in an amazing way. |
| Ngek | Ngek translates into “yikes” or “eek” |
| Hay Naku | Hay here is one of those phrases like “Uh oh” or “OMG”. |
| Ano Ba | Well, right? Filipino slang is equivalent to the phrase “what the?” or What the heck! |
| Anyare | “Anyare” or “anong nangyari” Both English translations can be, “what happened?” |
| Yung Ano | The word slang “that thing” is yung ano. |
| Susmariosep | It means Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. |
Phrases in Tagalog with Meanings
We as well should know the essential phrases used in Tagalog:
| Phrase | Meaning |
| Magandang umaga | Good morning |
| magandang hapon | good afternoon |
| magandang gabi | good evening |
| Kamusta ka | How are you |
| Salamat | thank you |
| Oo, hindi | yes, no |
| P’wede po magtanong | may I ask a question |
| Ingat | take care |
| Paalam | good bye |
| Po | an article to add politeness |
| Paano pumunta sa | how do I get to |
| Kaliwa” and “kanan | left and right |
| Papunta ba to sa | is this the way to |
| Pakiabot po ng bayad | pls pass my payment to the driver |
| Yung sukli po sa | may I have my balance payment |
| Para po | this is my stop |
| Pabili po ng ticket papunta sa | I want to buy a ticket from here to |
| Saan po ‘yung taxi stand | where is the taxi stand |
| Pakihatid po ako sa | pls take me to |
| Saan po ‘yung terminal ng bus papunta sa | may I know where the bus terminal, with the bus to |
| Magkano | how much |
| Ang mahal naman! Wala na bang tawad | this is expensive, can you show me less expensive |
| Isa, dalawa, tatlo, singkwenta, isang daan | 1, 2, 3, 50, 100 counting notes |
Influenced by English and Spanish, These words and phrases used in Philippines will enable us to communicate locally and in person.
Keep exploring EnglishBix to find resources related tagalog language.
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