Have you ever found yourself asking about some words over the internet or casual conversations that you cannot relate to - or sometimes have no idea at all? We have prepared a list of Filipino/modern slangs that you can learn from.
10. Lodi
Possibly the most common slang these days. Derived from the English word ‘idol’, lodi pertains to someone who is admirable or someone who has done unthinkable/cool feats. Another variation is ‘lods’.
"Ang galing mo naman mag-gitara, lodi na kita."
Source: SBS Filipino
9. Petmalu
Like the 90's where people love to reverse a word's sylabbles, petmalu came from the Filipino word 'malupit' or rude. However, the use of 'petmalu' is more of when you see something that is crazy or someone that has done impossible-like feats.
"Nagawa mong makapasa sa exam na yun? Petmalu mo naman!"
8. Werpa
Werpa is no different from the previous entry on reversing syllables. It is derived from the english word power. You say werpa when you wish someone good riddance or if you want to encourage someone.
"Mag-ingat ka sa pagpunta mo sa Australia, werpa sa iyo!"
7. Low-key/ Loki
Though this entry is not really Filipino in origin, but surely the young ones love to use them in most instances where they hint that they like or want something.
"Uy ang ganda naman ng pagkagawa ng sapatos na iyon, loki gusto kong bilhin sa katapusan ng buwan."
6. Pokmaru
During the lockdown period, a lot of people are longing for emotional support. One of the slangs that stood out that time is pokmaru, a reverse syllable of the Filipino word marupok or fragile in English. This slang however is used for a romantic situation when a person is quick to compromise his/her feelings to someone.
"Nagkita lang kayo isang beses, in love ka na agad? Ang pokmaru mo naman friend."
Source: SBS Filipino
The following entries are more common with younger individuals as compared to the previous five. Find out how many of these can you relate with.
5. Tea
Tea is not your daily slang, but for chismosos and chismosas or gossipers in English, this is an important piece of their vocabulary. Tea comes from the phrase 'spill the tea' or in older times, spill the beans. It connotes to something that can start a commotion, especially if someone known is involved in the topic.
"Bes, may bagong tea ako para sa iyo. Alam mo ba si Raph nakipagbalikan sa ex niya."
4. Qiqil
Undoubtedly one of the more favoured slangs by millennials and Gen Z especially in social media. Qiqil is derived from the Filipino word gigil - an endearing word. The use of qiqil however is not as sweet as you think. A person usually uses this if they are frustrated or angry on something or someone.
"Kanina ka pa nangungulit. Sinabi kong ayaw ko di ba? Qiqil mo na ako!"
Source: SBS Filipino
3. Awit/ A wheat
Awit is to sing in English. However in modern slang, it is derived from two words, 'Aw sakit' or 'ouch it hurts' in English. A person uses this slag when something unfortunate or unpleasant happens to them.
"Nakabangga ako ng kotse, awit naman oh."
2. Woke
This slang is more political in nature than any other slangs. People use woke when they are raising awareness for a political issue or criticising a person in a political position. It is also often preceeded by a hashtag in most social media posts.
"Dapat protektathan ng gobyerno ang mga nasalanta bago man lang mangampanya. #woke."
1. Shookt
Arguably one of the most famous slangs in the recent years. Shookt is derived from the english word 'shocked' and it is used exactly on how it really means - unlike the previous entries.
"Shookt naman ako pre, nakita ko yung ex ko may iba na agad eh kaka-break lang namin last week."
Were you able to relate to some, if not, all of these slangs? On our next list, we will go back two decades and rediscover the slangs of the 90s.
Source: SBS Filipino
