Funny Filipino Slang: Words and Phrases That Will Make You Laugh

Are you ready to dive into the wild and wacky world of Filipino slang? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a linguistic roller coaster that’ll have you laughing, scratching your head, and maybe even picking up a few new phrases to impress your Pinoy friends. From the streets of Manila to the beaches of Boracay, Filipino slang is as colorful and diverse as the country itself. So, let’s get crackin’ and explore some of the most hilarious, head-scratching, and downright amusing slang words and phrases that the Philippines has to offer!

The ABCs of Filipino Slang

Before we jump into the deep end of the slang pool, let’s dip our toes in with some basics. Filipino slang, like any good slang, is constantly evolving. It’s a mix of traditional Filipino languages, English, Spanish, and even some Chinese influences. This linguistic melting pot has given birth to some truly unique expressions that’ll make you go “Ano ba yan?” (What the heck?).

Slang 101: The Essentials

Every aspiring slang master needs to start somewhere, and these words are your ticket to the cool kids’ table. Let’s break down some of the most common and versatile Filipino slang terms that you’ll hear on the streets, in the malls, or even in your tita’s Facebook comments.

1. “Besh” or “Bes” – Short for “best friend,” this term is used so liberally you might start to wonder if Filipinos are just one big group of besties. Don’t be surprised if the cashier at the sari-sari store calls you “besh” after your first visit. Congratulations, you’ve just made a new best friend!
2. “Chika” – Gossip, chitchat, or any juicy information you’re dying to share. “Ano ang latest chika?” is the Filipino equivalent of “What’s the tea?” Just be careful not to become the subject of chika yourself!
3. “Petmalu” – This word is the result of reversing the syllables of “malupet,” which means awesome or cool. It’s like linguistic gymnastics, and Filipinos love flipping words around like verbal pancakes.
4. “Lodi” – Another backwards gem, this time from “idol.” When someone calls you “lodi,” you know you’ve made it in life. Time to add it to your resume!
5. “Jowa” – Boyfriend or girlfriend. Because saying “significant other” is just too many syllables when you’re trying to update your relationship status ASAP.

From Jejemon to Millennial: The Evolution of Filipino Slang

Filipino slang has come a long way, baby! Remember the days of Jejemon speak, when text messages looked like encrypted alien communications? Well, slang has grown up (sort of) and taken on new forms that reflect the changing times and technologies.

The Jejemon Era

Ah, the Jejemon phase – a time when vowels were optional, and the more incomprehensible your text, the cooler you were. This linguistic phenomenon peaked in the late 2000s and early 2010s, giving birth to gems like:

• “PHz” instead of “pls” (please)
• “Ü” as a smiley face (because regular smileys are too mainstream)
• “w0w” instead of “wow” (because numbers are letters too, right?)

While Jejemon speak has largely fallen out of favor, its impact on Filipino slang can still be felt today. It paved the way for creative language use and showed that rules are meant to be broken – or at least bent until they cry for mercy.

Millennial Madness

As millennials came of age, so did a new breed of slang. Influenced by social media, pop culture, and the never-ending quest for brevity, millennial slang in the Philippines is a beast of its own.

1. “Adulting” – Because growing up is hard, and we need a word to describe the struggle of paying bills and remembering to buy toilet paper.
2. “Feels” – When emotions are too complex to describe, just say you have “all the feels.” It’s like emotional shorthand for the digital age.
3. “Sana all” – The battle cry of the eternally envious. See someone posting about their amazing vacation? “Sana all!” (If only we all could have that!)
4. “Charot” – The Filipino equivalent of “just kidding” or “not serious.” Perfect for when you need to backpedal faster than a circus clown on a unicycle.

Lost in Translation: Slang That Makes No Sense in English

Now, let’s dive into the deep end of the slang pool with some phrases that will leave non-Filipinos scratching their heads. These expressions are so uniquely Pinoy, they lose all meaning when translated directly to English. But don’t worry, we’ll break them down for you!

“Nakakaloka!”

Literally translating to “It’s making me crazy,” this versatile expression can be used for anything from mild annoyance to utter disbelief. Stub your toe? Nakakaloka! Win the lottery? Nakakaloka! It’s the Swiss Army knife of Filipino exclamations.

“Ang pogi/ganda naman!”

While this phrase literally means “How handsome/beautiful!”, it’s often used sarcastically. Spill coffee on your white shirt? “Ang pogi naman!” It’s the Filipino way of saying “Well, isn’t that just great?” with an extra sprinkle of sass.

“Kilig to the bones”

This phrase describes that giddy, butterfly-in-your-stomach feeling when you’re around your crush. But “kilig to the bones” takes it to the next level. It’s like your entire skeleton is doing the cha-cha because you’re so excited. Medical professionals are still baffled by this condition.

“Pak ganern!”

A celebratory phrase that’s part exclamation, part battle cry. It’s like saying “Boom! Just like that!” but with more pizzazz. Use it when you nail a presentation, win an argument, or successfully parallel park on your first try.

The Art of Exaggeration: Filipino Slang Style

Filipinos have elevated exaggeration to an art form, and their slang reflects this beautiful hyperbole. Why say something plainly when you can paint a verbal mural of overstatement?

“Gutom na gutom na ako!”

Literally meaning “I’m very very hungry,” this phrase is often accompanied by dramatic gestures indicating imminent starvation. In reality, the person probably just skipped their afternoon merienda (snack).

“Patay gutom”

Speaking of hunger, this term literally means “dead from hunger” but is used to describe someone who’s greedy or overly eager for food or money. It’s like calling someone a “vulture,” but with more flair.

“Tapon pera”

Translating to “throw money,” this phrase describes wasteful spending. It’s not just burning money; it’s launching it into orbit never to be seen again.

Slang in the Wild: Real-Life Scenarios

Now that we’ve armed you with an arsenal of Filipino slang, let’s see how these words and phrases play out in real-life situations. Imagine you’re dropped into the heart of Manila with nothing but your newfound slang knowledge. How would you fare?

Scenario 1: The Jeepney Ride

You’re packed like a sardine in a colorful jeepney, Manila’s iconic public transportation. The driver shouts, “Bayad po!” (Payment please!). You fumble with your coins, and the passenger next to you says, “Pasa po, besh!” (Please pass it, friend!). You successfully navigate this social interaction, feeling like a true local.

Scenario 2: The Karaoke Night

You find yourself at a Filipino karaoke night. Your friend belts out a perfect rendition of “My Way” (a karaoke staple), and you exclaim, “Petmalu, lodi!” The room erupts in cheers, and you’re instantly the coolest person there.

Scenario 3: The Chismis Corner

You overhear your titas (aunties) gossiping in the corner. One leans in and whispers, “May chika ako!” (I have gossip!). You casually saunter over, ready to drop a casual “Ano ang latest?” (What’s the latest?). Congratulations, you’re now part of the Filipino gossip network.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Filipino Slang

Before you go off spouting slang like a pro, there are a few things to keep in mind. Using slang inappropriately can be more awkward than a durian-flavored ice cream (yes, that’s a thing).

Do:

• Use slang with friends and in casual settings
• Learn the context and tone of each slang term
• Embrace the fun and playful nature of Filipino slang

Don’t:

• Use slang in formal situations (unless you want to see your boss’s confused face)
• Overuse slang to the point of incomprehensibility
• Assume all Filipinos use or understand all slang terms

The Future of Filipino Slang: What’s Next?

As we’ve seen, Filipino slang is as dynamic as the country’s jeepney routes. It’s constantly evolving, adapting, and picking up new influences. So, what’s on the horizon for Pinoy slang?

Tech Talk

With the Philippines being one of the top social media users globally, expect more tech-inspired slang to emerge. We might see:

• “Insta-besh” – An Instagram-worthy best friend
• “TikTok mo ‘to” – A challenge to dance or act out a situation
• “Ghosting mo naman!” – When someone leaves you on read (again)

Global Fusion

As Filipino culture continues to spread globally (hello, Jollibee in Milan!), we might see more international influences in slang:

• “K-drama feels” – When you’re emotionally invested in a Korean drama
• “Sushi goals” – Aspirational sushi-eating plans (because food is life)
• “Eurotrip mo ‘yan?” – Questioning someone’s overly ambitious plans

Slang by the Numbers

Let’s take a quick look at some interesting stats about Filipino language and slang usage:

These numbers show why Filipino slang is so diverse and rapidly evolving. With so many languages, high English proficiency, and significant social media usage, it’s no wonder that Filipino slang is a linguistic playground!

Wrap it Up, Besh!

There you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour of Filipino slang that’s sure to make you the life of any Filipino party (or at least help you understand what’s going on). From the basics like “besh” and “chika” to the mind-bending “kilig to the bones,” Filipino slang is a testament to the creativity, humor, and adaptability of the Filipino people.

So, the next time you find yourself in a Filipino gathering, whether it’s in the bustling streets of Manila or your local Filipino restaurant, don’t be afraid to drop a casual “Petmalu!” or respond to gossip with an enthusiastic “Nakakaloka!” Just remember, use your newfound slang powers wisely – with great slang comes great responsibility!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some chika to spread and karaoke to sing. Pak ganern!

Disclaimer: This article is based on popular Filipino slang up to 2022. Slang evolves rapidly, and some terms may have changed or fallen out of use. We’ve done our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but if you spot any inaccuracies, please let us know so we can update faster than you can say “petmalu!” Remember, slang usage can vary by region and social group, so your mileage may vary. Use with caution and a sense of humor!