What are some Filipino expressions?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

Filipino slang is a colorful and lively part of the Filipino language. It adds flavor and humor to conversations, making them more engaging and entertaining. Here are some popular Filipino slang expressions that you can use to chat like a true Filipino:

1. Kilig (ki-lig) – This word describes the giddy or excited feeling you get when you experience something romantic or heartwarming. It’s often used to describe the feeling when you see a couple being sweet to each other or when you receive a heartfelt compliment.

2. Gigil (gi-gil) – Gigil refers to the intense urge to squeeze or pinch something cute or adorable. It’s a mix of excitement, adoration, and the desire to express affection physically. You might feel gigil when you see a cute baby or a fluffy pet.

3. Susmariosep (soos-mar-yo-sep) – This expression is a playful way of expressing surprise or disbelief. It’s similar to saying “Oh my goodness” or “Oh my gosh” in English. Susmariosep is often used when something unexpected or shocking happens.

4. Nyek (ni-yek) / Oops – Nyek is an interjection used to express surprise or when you make a mistake. It’s similar to saying “Oops” in English. You can use it when you accidentally drop something or when you realize you’ve made a blunder.

5. Charot (cha-rot) / Just joking – Charot is a word used to indicate that you’re just kidding or not being serious. It’s often used to soften sarcastic remarks or to add humor to a statement. For example, if someone compliments you and you respond with “Thank you, charot,” it means you’re jokingly dismissing their compliment.

6. Chibog (chi-bog) / Dinner or eating date – Chibog is a slang term for “food” or “eating.” It’s commonly used when inviting someone to have a meal together or discussing food-related topics. For example, you can say, “Tara, chibog tayo” which means “Let’s eat.”

7. Jowa (jo-wah) / Boyfriend or girlfriend – Jowa is a slang term used to refer to a boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s a more colloquial term compared to the formal “kasintahan.” You can use it when talking about your romantic partner or when referring to someone else’s significant other.

8. Basta (bas-tah) – This word is often used as a filler or a vague response when you want to express something without going into too much detail. It’s similar to saying “whatever” or “just because” in English. For example, if someone asks you why you did something, you can simply respond with “Basta.”

These are just a few examples of Filipino slang expressions that you can incorporate into your conversations to sound more like a Filipino. Using these slang terms adds a touch of humor, playfulness, and familiarity to your language, making your interactions more enjoyable and relatable. So go ahead and give them a try!