Filipino culture is known for its warm hospitality, close family ties, and vibrant sense of humor—so it’s no surprise that Filipino slang is just as colorful. While formal Filipino (Tagalog) can carry you through most everyday interactions, truly connecting with locals often means understanding and using everyday expressions. From the busy streets of Manila to casual chats among friends, these slang terms can help you sound like a true kababayan (fellow Filipino).
Below, we’ve curated 100 essential Filipino slang terms that will add local flavor to your conversations. Whether you’re a K-pop-loving teen in Quezon City or a foreigner diving into Pinoy pop culture for the first time, there’s something here for you!
Why Learn Filipino Slang?
Authentic Communication
Mastering textbook Tagalog is great, but slang words mirror how Filipinos actually speak with friends and family. If you drop a well-timed “Naks!” or “Charot!” you’ll show you’re in sync with the vibe.
Cultural Insight
Slang often reflects shared jokes, pop culture references, and generational trends. It’s a direct path to understanding local humor and everyday attitudes.
Fun & Memorable
Slang expressions are catchy and easy to remember. They often feature playful wordplay—some borrowed from English or Spanish, and others purely Pinoy in origin.
Fun Fact: According to a 2021 survey by Rappler, over 80% of Filipino youth say they use slang words daily when chatting online or face-to-face.
Quick Tips for Using Filipino Slang
- Know Your Audience: Certain slang words might be overly informal or have double meanings, so be mindful if you’re talking to elders, colleagues, or in formal settings.
- Mix in Moderation: Using slang every second sentence might sound forced. A sprinkle here and there keeps it natural.
- Learn from Context: Watch Filipino vlogs, TV shows, or social media trends to see how slang is used and in what scenarios.
- Embrace Taglish: Many slang terms are hybrids of Tagalog + English—Taglish. Don’t be surprised to hear “Weh?” or “Sayang naman ‘yun, oh!”
Greetings & Everyday Expressions (1–10)
- ‘Pre
- Meaning: Short for “pare,” meaning “bro” or “buddy.”
- Usage: “Kumusta, ‘pre? Tagal nating di nagkita!” (“How are you, bro? Long time no see!”)
- Bes / Beshy
- Meaning: Short for “best friend,” used casually among friends.
- Usage: “Bes, punta tayo sa mall mamaya?” (“Bestie, let’s go to the mall later?”)
- Sis
- Meaning: Similar to “Bes,” but often used by women for close female friends.
- Usage: “Sis, ano nang latest sa’yo?” (“Girl, what’s new with you?”)
- Chibog
- Meaning: “Food” or “meal,” a more playful alternative to “kain.”
- Usage: “Tara, chibog na!” (“Let’s eat!”)
- Keri
- Meaning: “Can manage,” “It’s okay.” Possibly derived from English “carry.”
- Usage: “Keri mo ba maghintay hanggang bukas?” (“Can you manage to wait until tomorrow?”)
- G
- Meaning: Short for “game,” meaning “I’m down” or “Let’s do it.”
- Usage: “G na ba tayo sa beach trip?” (“Are we good to go for the beach trip?”)
- Weh?
- Meaning: An interjection questioning credibility—“Really? For real?”
- Usage: “Sabi mo mayaman ka? Weh, di nga?” (“You said you’re rich? Really, no kidding?”)
- Hanep
- Meaning: “Awesome,” “Incredible,” or “Wow.”
- Usage: “Hanep ‘tong bagong phone mo, ah!” (“Your new phone is awesome, huh!”)
- Naks
- Meaning: Expression of admiration or mild envy—like “Wow!” or “Congrats!”
- Usage: “Naks naman, promotion agad?” (“Wow, you got promoted so soon?”)
- Petmalu
- Meaning: Reverse-syllable of “malupet” (amazing or impressive).
- Usage: “Petmalu ka talaga magluto, ang sarap!” (“You’re amazing at cooking, so delicious!”)
People & Relationships (11–20)
- Jowa
- Meaning: Boyfriend or girlfriend.
- Usage: “May jowa ka na ba?” (“Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?”)
- Syota
- Meaning: Another term for “significant other,” a bit more old-school.
- Usage: “Parang nakita kong may syota ka na, ah!” (“Looks like you’ve got a partner now, huh!”)
- Esmi / Esposo
- Meaning: Slang for “asawa” (spouse), borrowed from Spanish “esposo/esposa.”
- Usage: “Kasama ko si esmi ko ngayon.” (“I’m with my spouse right now.”)
- Keri Beks
- Meaning: “Can do it, girl!” or “We can manage,” used among LGBTQ+ or close friends.
- Usage: “Keri beks! Kaya natin ‘to.” (“Don’t worry, we can handle this.”)
- Walang Echos
- Meaning: “No joke,” from “charot” or “cheche bureche.”
- Usage: “Walang echos, totoo ‘yang sinabi ko.” (“No joke, what I said is true.”)
- Tol
- Meaning: Short for “utol,” meaning sibling or close friend.
- Usage: “Tol, sama ka sa akin sa tindahan?” (“Bro, come with me to the store?”)
- Amiga / Amigo
- Meaning: Spanish loanwords for “friend,” used casually.
- Usage: “Amiga, I have chika for you!”
- Tropang
- Meaning: “Group of friends,” from “tropa.”
- Usage: “Sama ako sa tropang gala niyo ha?” (“Let me join your friend group’s outing, okay?”)
- Kadate
- Meaning: Someone you’re dating, from “ka + date.”
- Usage: “Kadate mo ba siya mamayang gabi?” (“Are you going on a date with them tonight?”)
- Kalandian
- Meaning: “Flirtation,” or describing a flirty interaction.
- Usage: “Ang lakas ng kalandian mo sa chat, huh?” (“You’re flirting so hard in that chat, huh?”)
Expressing Emotions & Reactions (21–30)
- Charot!
- Meaning: “Just kidding,” often used after a teasing statement.
- Usage: “Mukha kang pagod… charot!” (“You look tired… just kidding!”)
- Edi wow
- Meaning: Sarcastic “Oh wow,” implying you’re unimpressed.
- Usage: “Ikaw daw top performer ka? Edi wow.” (“They said you’re the top performer? Oh wow.”)
- Lodi
- Meaning: “Idol” spelled backwards, means “someone you admire.”
- Usage: “Siya yung lodi ko pagdating sa basketball.” (“He’s my idol in basketball.”)
- Petty
- Meaning: From English, meaning “childish or trivial,” used in Taglish.
- Usage: “Uy, petty mo naman, di mo na siya kinibo?” (“Hey, you’re being petty. You’re not even talking to them?”)
- Badtrip
- Meaning: “Bummed out,” “in a bad mood.”
- Usage: “Badtrip ako sa traffic kanina, grabe.” (“I was so annoyed by the traffic earlier, crazy.”)
- Siyempre
- Meaning: “Of course,” but used sarcastically or emphatically in slang contexts
- Usage: “Siyempre naman, sino pa ba?” (“Of course, who else?”)
- Ewan ko sa’yo
- Meaning: “I don’t know about you,” expressing exasperation.
- Usage: “Ayaw mo sumama? Ewan ko sa’yo.” (“You don’t wanna come? I give up on you.”)
- Nahiya naman ako
- Meaning: “Now I feel shy,” used ironically or when feeling overshadowed.
- Usage: “Ang galing mo mag-drawing, nahiya naman ako sa stick figures ko.” (“You draw so well, I’m shy about my stick figures.”)
- Kinikilig
- Meaning: “Feeling giddy,” especially about romance.
- Usage: “Grabe, kinikilig ako sa bagong episode ng K-drama!”
- Walang forever
- Meaning: “There’s no forever,” implying romance is doomed or doesn’t last.
- Usage: “Nag-break sila? Walang forever nga daw.”
Food & Dining Slang (31–40)
- Nomnom
- Meaning: “Yummy eating sound,” from “om-nom.”
- Usage: “Nomnom tayo ng sisig after work?”
- Takaw-tingin
- Meaning: “Eyes bigger than one’s stomach,” wanting more than you can eat.
- Usage: “Takaw-tingin na naman ako, di ko naubos ‘yung burger.”
- Busog na (Busog na ‘ko)
- Meaning: “I’m full,” used casually.
- Usage: “Thanks for the meal, busog na ‘ko!”
- Mukbang
- Meaning: Borrowed from Korean, meaning “eating broadcast.”
- Usage: “Pa-mukbang naman tayo, order tayo ng marami.”
- Kanin pa more
- Meaning: “More rice please,” from “pa more” meaning “even more.”
- Usage: “Nakakagutom ‘tong ulam, kanin pa more!”
- Kaya pa?
- Meaning: “Can you still handle more food?”
- Usage: “Tatlong plato na naubos mo, kaya pa?”
- Sarap to the bones
- Meaning: “So tasty you eat everything,” especially for chicken or fish
- Usage: “Fried chicken mo sarap to the bones talaga.”
- Gutom vibes
- Meaning: “Hungry vibe,” expressing hunger or craving
- Usage: “Gutom vibes na, let’s go eat!”
- Chicha
- Meaning: “Snacks,” also from Spanish “chichiria.”
- Usage: “Magbaon ka ng chicha for the road trip.”
- Sawsaw
- Meaning: “Dip” or “to dip food,” but also slang for meddling in issues
- Usage: “Masarap magsawsaw ng fries sa gravy.”
Tech & Online Slang (41–50)
- Download mo
- Meaning: “Download it,” a Taglish imperative
- Usage: “Uy, download mo ‘yung bagong app na ‘to, ang ganda.”
- Like lang nang like
- Meaning: “You just keep liking posts,” from Facebook or IG usage
- Usage: “Wala kang comment? Like lang nang like ka naman.”
- PM is the key
- Meaning: “Private Message is the key,” commonly used in online selling.
- Usage: “Kung gusto mo malaman price, PM is the key.”
- Sana all
- Meaning: “I wish everyone (including me),” used to express envy or longing
- Usage: “May new car siya? Sana all!”
- Yan na
- Meaning: “Here we go,” often used for comedic or dramatic effect
- Usage: “Yan na, drama mo na naman.”
- Pa-post
- Meaning: “Post it,” or “Please post,” also used for “upload.”
- Usage: “Pa-post naman ng group pic natin.”
- HUHU
- Meaning: Written “crying,” like “huhuhu,” expressing sadness or frustration
- Usage: “HUHU, I missed the concert tickets.”
- Walang basagan ng trip
- Meaning: “Don’t spoil my fun,” or “don’t ruin someone’s vibe.”
- Usage: “Gusto ko mag-cosplay, walang basagan ng trip!”
- Pa-burger ka naman
- Meaning: “Treat us,” literally “buy us a burger,” a joking way to ask someone for a treat
- Usage: “Kakapromote mo lang, pa-burger ka naman!”
- Flex
- Meaning: “Show off,” borrowed from English.
- Usage: “Flex ko lang ‘tong new shoes ko.”
Love & Dating Slang (51–60)
- Kilig
- Meaning: That fluttery romantic excitement, unique to Filipino.
- Usage: “Grabe, kinikilig ako sa bagong love team!”
- Hopia
- Meaning: “Hoping,” from the pastry “hopia,” meaning “you’re wishful but might be disappointed.”
- Usage: “Feel ko hopia lang ako sa crush ko, di naman niya ako pansin.”
- Pa-fall
- Meaning: “Leading someone on,” making them fall without serious intention
- Usage: “Ingat kay Mark, pa-fall lang ‘yan!”
- Bitter
- Meaning: “Resentful,” especially about relationships
- Usage: “Huwag ka naman bitter, move on ka na.”
- Closure
- Meaning: “Resolution after a breakup,” borrowed from English.
- Usage: “Kailangan ko ng closure para makamove on.”
- Wagas
- Meaning: “Unending,” “extreme,” often for deep love
- Usage: “Wagas ang pagmamahal niya, di kumukupas.”
- Nagpapakipot
- Meaning: “Playing hard to get,” literally “acting reserved.”
- Usage: “Gusto ka niya, pero nagpapakipot pa.”
- Aprub
- Meaning: “Approved,” from English “approve.”
- Usage: “Aprub ba ang date idea na ito?”
- Move on
- Meaning: “Get over it,” from English phrase, widely used in Taglish.
- Usage: “Enough na sa pag-iyak, move on ka na, bes.”
- Hindi pa ako ready
- Meaning: “I’m not ready yet,” often used in love contexts.
- Usage: “Sorry, hindi pa ako ready for a new relationship.”
Family & Daily Life (61–70)
- Nanay/Tatay
- Meaning: “Mom/Dad,” but sometimes slangily shortened to “nay/tay.”
- Usage: “Nay, kumusta yung ulam diyan?” or “Tay, pabili naman ng load.”
- Tambay
- Meaning: “Loiter,” or a person who hangs around with no job.
- Usage: “Puro ka tambay diyan, maghanap ka ng work!”
- Lakwatcha
- Meaning: “Strolling around, going out for fun.”
- Usage: “Magla-lakwatcha muna ako sa mall bago umuwi.”
- Chismis (Tsismis)
- Meaning: “Gossip,” a huge part of Filipino culture.
- Usage: “Ano na namang chismis ‘yan tungkol sa kapitbahay?”
- O.A. (Over Acting)
- Meaning: “Overreacting,” from English.
- Usage: “O.A. naman reaction mo, simpleng joke lang ‘yun.”
- Almusal
- Meaning: “Breakfast,” standard term but slang can be “almus” for short.
- Usage: “Anong almusal mo? Pandesal?”
- Kuya/Ate
- Meaning: “Older brother/sister,” used even for older strangers as respect.
- Usage: “Kuya, magkano po ‘to?” (“Mister, how much is this?”)
- Tita/Tito
- Meaning: “Aunt/Uncle,” also used for older acquaintances.
- Usage: “Tita mo ba ‘yan? Baka pwede tayo makisalo?”
- Pasalubong
- Meaning: “Gift or souvenir brought back for others.”
- Usage: “Dala mo bang pasalubong galing Baguio?”
- Sawakas
- Meaning: “Finally,” from “sa wakas.”
- Usage: “Sawakas, tapos na rin ang quarantine!”
Negative Feelings & Frustrations (71–80)
- KJ (Killjoy)
- Meaning: “Party pooper,” someone who kills the fun
- Usage: “Wag kang KJ, sumama ka na lang!”
- Parinig
- Meaning: “Indirect remark” or “subtle jab,” also “shade.”
- Usage: “Nagpa-parinig ka ba sa akin? Sabihin mo nalang direkta.”
- Sayang
- Meaning: “What a waste,” or “that’s unfortunate.”
- Usage: “Nakapasa ka na sana, sayang umalis ka agad.”
- Nga-nga
- Meaning: “Left with nothing,” “out of luck,” literally mouth open.
- Usage: “Wala akong nasalo sa libre? Nga-nga naman ako.”
- Utos-utosan
- Meaning: “Bossing someone around.”
- Usage: “Ayoko ng utos-utosan, hindi ako alila.”
- Hindi na kinaya
- Meaning: “Couldn’t handle it anymore.”
- Usage: “Hindi na kinaya ng powers ko, sumuko na ako.”
- Sobrang toxic
- Meaning: “Super toxic,” describing a situation or person.
- Usage: “Ayoko na diyan, sobrang toxic ng environment.”
- Nakakasira ng bait
- Meaning: “Drives you insane,” literally “breaks your sanity.”
- Usage: “Yung kapitbahay na maingay buong gabi? Nakakasira ng bait.”
- Mema
- Meaning: “Someone who talks just to say something,” from “may masabi lang.”
- Usage: “Siya naman mema lang, ignore mo.”
- Bahala na si Batman
- Meaning: “Let Batman take care of it,” i.e. “leave it to chance.”
- Usage: “Wala na akong time mag-aral, bahala na si Batman sa exam!”
Additional Slang Gems (81–90)
- G (Je)**
- Meaning: “Game,” “I’m in,” or “let’s do it,” similar to #6 but repeated in youth circles.
- Usage: “G na, guys, punta na tayo.”
- Anyare?
- Meaning: “What happened?” from “Anong nangyari?”
- Usage: “Anyare sa ‘yo, ba’t tahimik ka?”
- Wapak!
- Meaning: “I don’t care,” or “No effect!” from “wala pakialam.”
- Usage: “Sinabihan ako ng masama? Wapak, di ko siya pinansin.”
- Spill!
- Meaning: “Tell me everything,” from English “spill the tea.”
- Usage: “Uy, anong balita sa date mo? Spill!”
- May ganap?
- Meaning: “Any happenings?” or “Any event going on?”
- Usage: “Friday na, may ganap ba tayo tonight?”
- Alisto
- Meaning: “Alert,” “quick to react,” from Spanish “listo.”
- Usage: “Alisto ka dapat, baka dumating bigla si boss.”
- Taray
- Meaning: “Feisty,” “sassy,” often praising strong female presence.
- Usage: “Taray mo, girl! Ang galing mo sumagot!”
- Boom panes
- Meaning: “Boom,” expression of triumph or “gotcha,” from “boom + panis.”
- Usage: “Natalo ko siya sa Mobile Legends, boom panes!”
- Sa wakas
- Meaning: “Finally,” repeated from #70 but used frequently.
- Usage: “Sa wakas, dumating na ‘yung order ko.”
- Ubusan ng lahi
- Meaning: “Elimination of the entire clan,” used jokingly for intense fights or competition
- Usage: “May ubusan ng lahi sa sale, nag-agawan ng items!”
Random Must-Know (91–100)
- Iyak-tawa
- Meaning: “Crying-laughing,” from intense mixed emotions
- Usage: “Napanood ko ‘yung comedy na ‘yun, iyak-tawa ako!”
- Gumora
- Meaning: “Left or went somewhere,” from “go” + Tagalog suffix
- Usage: “Saan ka gumora kagabi? Di ka na nakabalik.”
- Sumabog
- Meaning: “Exploded,” describing a viral moment or huge reaction
- Usage: “Sumabog sa socmed ‘yung new dance challenge.”
- Warla
- Meaning: “Warla,” from “war,” meaning to fight or start drama
- Usage: “Nag-warla siya sa comment section.”
- Chikot
- Meaning: “Car,” reversed “kotse” to “etse,” but used differently in some circles
- Usage: “May chikot ka na? Naks naman, big time!”
- Resbak
- Meaning: “Revenge” or “comeback,” from English “rescue back.”
- Usage: “Nag-resbak siya sa bashers sa social media.”
- Shots fired
- Meaning: Direct confrontation or “throwing shade,” borrowed from English
- Usage: “Nung pinaringgan mo siya, shots fired yun!”
- Imba
- Meaning: “Imbalance,” from gaming slang, meaning overpowered or extremely good
- Usage: “Grabe ‘yung hero mo, imba siya masyado.”
- Gigil
- Meaning: “Overwhelming urge,” can be frustration or excitement
- Usage: “Ang cute ng baby, gigil ako kurutin ‘yung pisngi!”
- Sana oil
– Meaning: Variation of “Sana all,” comedic spin on wishing the same good fortune
– Usage: “May libreng trip abroad? Sana oil talaga.”
Conclusion: Time to Level Up Your Pinoy Street Talk
Ayos ba?! You’ve just explored 100 essential Filipino slang terms that can spice up your everyday interactions and help you chat like a true Pinoy. Whether you’re watching your fave local vlogger, following a Filipino drama, or bonding with new friends, these expressions bridge the gap between formal Tagalog and the casual, lively brand of communication Filipinos love.
Final Reminders
- Context Matters: Some slang is playful among friends but might be offensive if used incorrectly or with the wrong audience.
- Keep Learning: Language changes fast, especially with social media influences. Stay updated by chatting with locals or tuning into viral trends.
- Have Fun: Slang is about adding color and spontaneity to your words. Don’t be shy—try them out!
Call to Action
Did we miss any of your favorite Pinoy slang terms? Leave a comment below sharing your own or letting us know which ones you plan to use. If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow Filipino language enthusiasts and subscribe to our newsletter for more cultural and linguistic insights.
Now go forth and enjoy dropping a “Charot!” or “Edi wow!” in your next conversation—sobrang petmalu!
Another Must-Read: Korean Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms to Understand K-Culture
