If you will go for a quick Google search and look for the happiest people around the world, then I guarantee you that on top of that list is the Philippines. Generally, the people are genuinely joyful most of the time despite the conditions of their economy. If you are interested in dropping a few Tagalog funny phrases to say here and there to spark communication, do not miss out on this post filled with information today!
If you have ever been to the Philippines, then I sure bet that you understand me when I say that Filipinos are one of the most approachable people in the world. Aside from the fact that they can speak English fluently, they are also one of the happiest to be around with. In fact, even online, you can see tons of them commenting and stating their opinions on Facebook. Some may even add you as a friend or chat with you!
Filipinos love to share a few jokes here and there. Since you landed on this post, then that means that you probably want to arm yourself with some of the most native-sounding phrases that will charm your Filipino friends. When you Google this topic, you will find a huge number of similar posts but our collection of words, humor, and hugot lines are from daily interactions that are relatively new and on the trend.
In the next part of this post, you will see information on Pinoy (Filipino) phrases that we have fished out of the hundreds out there! The ones on this list below are the best lines and the most widely used both in real life and in the social media arena. If you are up for that, then off we go!
Tagalog Funny Phrases You Should Learn
The Philippines is not just the home of historical attractions and unique food. It is actually a fun place to be and its language is filled with so much information that a single word or tone can change the meaning! With lots of words being coined in Tagalog, even some Filipinos find it hard to keep up too!
You see, another thing that you should take note of is that Filipinos are considered a “happy country” in the world next to Fiji and Colombia. And maybe you are wondering, what exactly is making them laugh and smile around even with strangers, right? To help you navigate fun discourse with Filipinos regardless of the topics, check out this comprehensive list of Pinoy humor lines and phrase-based hugot (or sayings in English) Tagalog lines below.
Note: To lay out the information for easy reading, we have divided it into three columns: one for the unique Tagalog funny lines, words, and phrases, the second for the literal English translation, and the last one explains what the sayings mean for Filipinos.
1. Pa-burger ka naman[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Pa-burger ka naman[/Speechword] / Pa-Canton ka naman[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Pa-Canton ka naman[/Speechword]
English translation: Buy some burger as a treat / Treat us to some Pancit Canton
When someone got a promotion, a raise, or any achievement at all, you can say this phrase as a way of asking that person to treat you to some food.
2. Ay! Kabayo![Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Ay! Kabayo![/Speechword] / Ay! Kalbo![Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Ay! Kalbo![/Speechword]
English translation: Oh! Horse! Oh! Bald man!
This is best used as an interjection and does not really mean anything negative at all. It may also be used as an expression itself to mean that someone looks bald or like a horse.
3. Susmaryosep[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Susmaryosep[/Speechword] / Ay sus, ginoo[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Ay sus, ginoo[/Speechword]
English translation: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Oh, Jesus!
This is a funny wordplay to know and is used as an interjection. Basically, this integrates the English Holy names. However, please be careful in using this humor line since the Philippines is a Catholic country and some Pinoys may not find it not funny at all.
4. Edi, wow[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Edi, wow[/Speechword] / Ikaw na[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Ikaw na[/Speechword]
English translation: Wow/ You’re the best already
These are new negative phrases to say and are primarily used if you want the other person to shame and stop the other person from speaking. On the flip side, these can also be a hugot line to show that you wish to be as smart as the other person.
5. Sip-sip kasi siya[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Sip-sip kasi siya[/Speechword] / Linta kasi siya[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Linta kasi siya[/Speechword]
English translation: Such a leech
Just like how leeches feed on blood, you can use this as a metaphor for someone who is also feeding the ego of the boss in the hopes of getting a promotion or being seen in a positive light.
6. Nosebleed ako![Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Nosebleed ako![/Speechword]
English translation: I am having a nosebleed
Unlike its literal translation, Filipinos like using this funny phrase to say that they are having a hard time understanding something.
7. Sana all![Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Sana all![/Speechword]
English translation: I wish I have that too
This funny remark and popular hugot line are rampantly used online, and it refers to the concept of wanting what another person already has. For instance, if someone has a special boyfriend/girlfriend, you can say something like “sana all” to mean that you also want the same thing.
8. Push mo yan![Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Push mo yan![/Speechword]
English translation: Push it!
In Pinoy language, this fun hugot phrase literally means “go for it!” This is safe to use and is best for pushing the person to his/her limits.
9. Keri lang![Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Keri lang![/Speechword] / Keribells[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Keribells[/Speechword]
English translation: I can carry it!
Unlike the literal translation, this well-loved Pinoy humor line actually means that you are feeling fine and you can handle whatever it is.
10. Apir[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Apir[/Speechword]
English translation: High five
This Tagalog word simply means “good job” in the English language. It can also be used as a humor line to signify that “you tried,” when someone cracks some jokes that are not even funny.
11. Kapag hindi mo nakita, makikita mo![Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Kapag hindi mo nakita, makikita mo![/Speechword]
English translation: If you do not find it, you will see it!
This is a classic Pinoy hugot remark which is usually used by older people (like our parents or grandparents) and it mainly suggests that if you cannot find what you are looking for, then you will see or experience some sort of punishment.
12. Lalabas ang aircon[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Lalabas ang aircon[/Speechword]
English translation: The air conditioner will go forth
Unlike its literal translation, this humor line means that the cold air produced by the air-conditioner will not be trapped inside the room if you keep the door open for an extended period.
13. Anak ng tokwa[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Anak ng tokwa[/Speechword] / Anak ng pating[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Anak ng pating[/Speechword]
English translation: Son of a tofu / Son of a shark
This is the Filipino counterpart for the English insult “son of a bitch.” In the Philippines, this is considered as a humor line and a regular expression that you can hear people saying from time to time.
14. Tumabi ka sa mga sasakyan[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Tumabi ka sa mga sasakyan[/Speechword]
English translation: You stand next to cars
Unlike what is suggested by the literal translation, this phrase is full of humor and is actually a friendly reminder that you should take care of yourself while crossing the streets.
15. Ju-moin ka?[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Ju-moin ka?[/Speechword] / Ju-join ka?[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Ju-join ka?[/Speechword]
English translation: Partake / Join
For Tagalog speakers, this funny question can be used to ask if another person is joining you or partaking in the event.
16. Pa-xerox[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Pa-xerox[/Speechword]
English translation: Xerox brand
Filipinos have the tendency to incorporate brand names in their language. In this example, Xerox refers not to the brand but to the act of photocopying or duplicating the document.
17. Isara mo ang Frigidaire[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Isara mo ang Frigidaire[/Speechword]
English translation: Frigidaire brand
Do not be confused because when Filipinos say this, they actually mean that you need to check and make sure to close the refrigerator door and not the Frigidaire brand.
18. Tomjones na ako[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Tomjones na ako[/Speechword]
English translation: I am Tom Jones already
This is of the cute Pinoy lines you can say instead of the plain old “I am so hungry”
19. Hey, statue?[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Hey, statue?[/Speechword]
English translation: Hey, statue?
This is a Pinoy wordplay that technically glued the words to the question “is that you?”
20. This is it, pancit![Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]This is it, pancit![/Speechword]
English translation: It is finally happening
In the Filipino language, this phrase suggests that whatever it is you are hoping for is finally coming true!
21. Hiyang hiya naman ako[Speechword voice=”Filipino Female” isinline]Hiyang hiya naman ako[/Speechword]
English translation: I am so ashamed
Same with the literal translation, this Tagalog phrase is used to signify that you are so ashamed.
Ready to use this list of Tagalog funny phrases with your Tagalog-speaking friends? In this sense, we hope that you will not worry as we will update this post from time to time so that you can get the freshest collections of words/jokes/hugot (emotive words) that will impress your colleagues.
As I end this article, I hope that I was able to give you the most comprehensive list of some of the most popular phrases that are usually used by Filipinos online and in person. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it online through your social platforms to help us reach out to other Asian language enthusiasts out there. Also, please do not forget to read our previous posts, vocabulary collections, and more Tagalog-related information such as how to express flavors like a real Pinoy and the secrets to Tagalog writing.
Learn The Tagalog Language Today And Speak Like A Native!
The thing about language is that it offers us opportunities not only to connect with other people but also to know their traditions, culture, and way of life. Add to that is the fact that if you know how to speak it fluently, you can share about your own culture too and make it known to the world.
Are you looking to add a few more words and phrases related to this Asian language? Then it is high time that I introduce to you my favorite language learning platforms out there which are guaranteed to help you out in your journey of learning the Tagalog language. The Ling app is downloadable online and can be used simultaneously with other learning materials to jumpstart your level in the best way possible.
Ready to learn and establish a tighter relationship with your Filipino friends? Just by practicing and allowing yourself to have at least 10 minutes a day with Ling app, we bet that you can sound native in no time!
With thousands of Filipinos stationed all over the world, we bet that finding someone to converse with and share your skills in this target language will be easy. Install it today by downloading it on the Play Store or App Store. Start your journey with the colorful and historical language of the Philippines.
