Why Learn Tagalog Slang?
Learning Tagalog slang is more than just picking up trendy words; it’s about immersing yourself in Filipino culture. Slang often expresses emotions, attitudes, and social connections that formal language misses. By mastering these terms, you’ll not only enhance your listening and speaking skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for local humor and expression.
Top Tagalog Slang Words and Phrases
1. Bes/Besh
Meaning: Best friend or close companion.
Usage: “Bes, tara na!” (Bestie, let’s go!)
Tip: Commonly used among friends, especially in casual settings.
2. Lodi
Meaning: Idol (the word “idol” spelled backwards), used to refer to someone you admire.
Usage: “Siya ang lodi ko.” (He/She is my idol.)
Tip: Often used to compliment someone’s skills or achievements.
3. Petmalu
Meaning: Awesome, cool, or amazing (derived from “malupet”, which means fierce or impressive, spelled backwards).
Usage: “Petmalu ka talaga!” (You’re really awesome!)
Tip: Used to express admiration or excitement.
4. Werpa
Meaning: Power or support (from the English word “power” with rearranged syllables).
Usage: “Werpa, bes!” (You got this, bestie!)
Tip: Used to cheer someone on or encourage them.
5. Charot
Meaning: Just kidding or joking.
Usage: “Ang pangit mo… charot!” (You’re ugly… just kidding!)
Tip: Usually placed at the end of a sentence to indicate a joke.
6. Jowa
Meaning: Boyfriend or girlfriend.
Usage: “May jowa ka na ba?” (Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?)
Tip: Used casually to refer to a romantic partner.
7. Walang Ebas
Meaning: No lies, honestly (from “walang iba,” meaning no one else).
Usage: “Walang ebas, totoo ‘yan!” (No joke, that’s true!)
Tip: Used to emphasize sincerity.
8. Keribels/Keri
Meaning: Can do, manageable, or okay.
Usage: “Keri lang!” (It’s manageable!)
Tip: Used to reassure someone that something is doable or not a problem.
9. Shookt
Meaning: Shocked or surprised (from the English “shocked”).
Usage: “Grabe, shookt ako sa balita!” (Wow, I’m shocked by the news!)
Tip: Popular among younger speakers, especially online.
10. Walang Forever
Meaning: There’s no forever, often used humorously to refer to love that doesn’t last.
Usage: “Walang forever talaga!” (There’s really no forever!)
Tip: Used in conversations about heartbreak or skepticism in relationships.
Tips for Using Tagalog Slang Correctly
- Context matters: Many slang words are used in informal situations with friends or peers. Avoid using them in formal settings or with elders unless you’re sure it’s appropriate.
- Stay updated: Slang evolves quickly. Follow Filipino social media, TV shows, and movies to keep up with the latest trends.
- Practice: Use these slang terms in your conversations with Filipino friends, or practice them with Talkpal’s AI-powered language partners for real-time feedback.
Embracing the Filipino Way of Speaking
Learning Tagalog slang is a fun and effective way to sound more fluent and relatable. It helps you understand not just the language, but also the values, humor, and everyday life of Filipinos. Whether you’re chatting online, watching vlogs, or traveling around the Philippines, these expressions will help you fit right in.
Practice Tagalog Slang with Talkpal
If you want to master Filipino slang and boost your conversational skills, Talkpal offers interactive tools and AI-driven practice partners tailored to your learning needs. Dive into real-life scenarios, get instant feedback, and enjoy the journey of sounding like a true local. Happy learning!
