30+ Easy Tagalog Slang Words: Level Up Your Tagalog Knowledge

Ever hear some Filipino randomly say, hoy lodi! and got your head scratching? If yes, then welcome to the unique world of Tagalog slang words!

Like many languages, people make up their own slang to shorten words, phrases, and other sentences. It also happens as people grow in different culture, cliques, and adapt other languages too.

But for the Tagalog language, it’s also a way to make you and your friends feel connected with each other.

And if you’re living in the Philippines or want to live in the Philippines, you surely need to be familiar with these intermediate to advanced Tagalog grammar and words.

Impress your Filipino friends with these quirky, funny, and common Tagalog slang words that you can use daily. Let’s start! 

What Are The Most Common Tagalog Slang Words?

Unlike other languages, the slang words of Filipinos are a caliber of their own. It usually features masterful use of two to three letters, playful modifications of Tagalog words, and Taglish (a combination of Tagalog and English).

Below, we have listed 20 words that we can guarantee that you will hear among your friends or colleagues of Filipino descent.

1. Nyek

Direct translation: oops

Do note that this Tagalog word can also be used interchangeably with “nge,” “nye,” or “ngek,” but it all means the same thing.

2. Jowa

Direct translation: boyfriend / girlfriend

You can use this when referring to your special someone in Tagalog. Additionally, if you want to say that someone is a girlfriend/boyfriend material, you can say “jowable.”

3. Charot

Direct translation: joking

Also used as “char,” this word is widely used and is synonymous with the English phrase “just joking” or “just kidding.”

4. Chibog

Direct translation: food

This can be said to refer to food or to signify eating time.

5. Lodi

Direct translation: idol

This is the reversed version of the English word “idol.” You can use this word when speaking with someone who you look up to.

6. Petmalu

Direct translation: awesome

This is the reversed version of the Tagalog word “malupet” or “malupit,” which is synonymous with the English words “amazing” or “awesome.”

7. Mumshie

Direct translation: mother

This is a cute way of calling your biological mother or any female who is significantly older than you.

8. Werpa

Direct translation: power

This word has been part of everyday Tagalog conversation and can be used to show the utmost support to someone.

9. Keri

Direct translation: can do

When someone asks if you can do something and the answer is yes, you can use this word instead to signify that you are confident you can.

10. Bes/Beshie

Direct translation: best friend 

You can use this as a term of endearment for your closest friends. It can be added in both oral and digital conversations.

11. Praning

Direct translation: crazy 

This one is used to describe someone who is out of their mind. Do note that you should use this only with your close friends as this can be viewed as rude by other people.

12. Chika

Direct translation: gossip

If you want to ask someone what’s up with them, then you can simply say, “anong chika?”

13. Kyah

Direct translation: big brother

This is a playful take on the Tagalog word “kuya” or big brother in English. You can use this when speaking with men who you do not know well.

14. Tsikot

Direct translation: car

This Tagalog slang refers to “kotse” or car in English.

15. Tigok

Direct translation: dead

Aside from this, you can also use the word “dedo” to say that something/someone is dead.

16. Wafu/Wafa

Direct translation: handsome/ beautiful

You can use this term to refer to someone who is good-looking.

17. Dehins

Direct translation: no

This is another playful take on the Tagalog word “hindi” or “no” in English.

18. Susmaryosep

Direct translation: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

This is one of the most used interjections, which combines the Holy Names of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

19. Mumu

Direct translation: ghost / cheap

This Filipino slang can be used to refer to ghosts or spirits, but it can also be used to describe something that is of low price or make.

20. Basta

Direct translation: just because

If you do not want to explain something, you can use this word to end a statement.

How Do You Say Slang In Tagalog?

The Tagalog word for slang is balbal Play.

If you want to ask, “How do you say this slang in Tagalog?”, you can say, “Paaano mo sasabihin itong balbal na ito sa Tagalog?” Play

However, most people do not use the word balbal nowadays, as it is a rarely used Tagalog word.

Instead, you can just ask them “Ano ang mga alam mong slangs sa Tagalog?” Play

More Tagalog Slang Terms Vocabulary List

Here is a list of common Filipino slang words that can make a tourist sound like a local in the Philippines:

English Meaning	Tagalog Slang	Sound
A casual term used to address a close friend	Bro/Brod/Sis/Sissy	Play Play
Gossip or casual conversation	Chika	Play
A young man who is fond of showing off and flirting with women	Chickboy	Play
Someone who constantly seeks attention or acts boastful	Epal	Play
An urge to pinch or squeeze something that is irresistibly cute	Gigil	Play
A feeling of excitement or butterflies in your stomach	Kilig	Play
Drunk	Lasing/Lasheng	Play
Know or understand	Sabe	Play
Delicious or enjoyable	Sarap	Play
Come on or let’s go	Tara	Play
A term used to address an older person, similar to “aunt” or “uncle”	Tito/Tita	Play
Short for “tsamba” meaning “a trick” or “a scheme”	Tsum	Play
Don’t worry about it	Wag ka nang mag-alala	Play

Before using these words, don’t forget that Tagalog slang terms can have different meanings and connotations in different regions and contexts in the Philippines. So, always use them carefully and in the right context.

Decoding The Online Lingo: A Look Into Filipino Internet Slang Words

Conversations do not just happen face-to-face, right?

To prepare you for online discussions in the Filipino community on social media, we have listed below ten more Tagalog internet slang words that you will undoubtedly encounter on Filipino-managed sites, forums, or online marketplaces on the internet.

English Meaning	Tagalog Slang	Sound
This is an example of code-switching since this question uses both Tagalong and English. It directly translates to “where are you?”	Oi	Play
You can use this word whenever you want to ask “how much” is the price of any item a Filipino sells online. It is widely used in the social media marketplace.	Wer na u?	Play
Another form of expression combines English and Tagalog. It refers to “I am here.”	Hir na me	Play
Since the Philippines is a Catholic country, Filipinos love using this expression to wish someone “God bless you.”	GBU	Play
Want to express your thoughts? You can simply add this three-letter slang, which means “share ko lang.” In English, this is almost the same as the expression “just my two cents.”	SKL	Play
You probably think that this means “long-playing,” but in the Philippines, this is used to ask, “what’s the lowest price” for a certain item.	HM	Play
This two-letter question is a powerful combination that asks whether the person is “online” or not.	OL?	Play
This three-letter slang stands for quite a long translation, which is “sorry for the late reply.”	SLR	Play
You probably think that this means “long-playing,” but in the Philippines, this is used to ask the question, “what’s the lowest price” for a certain item.	LP	Play
This slang is used to say “sure” or “sige” in Tagalog.	Geh	Play

Tips When Using Tagalog Slang Words

Want more tips in advancing your Tagalog language skills?

Hep hep! (Wait a minute!) Check out these tips before you babble your way into Tagalog fluency.

1. Know the context first! You don’t wanna sound rude if you’re just trying to be friendly with Filipinos right? Although some Tagalog slang words mentioned here are not meant for insult, it can depend on the way you use them.
2. Tagalog slang words are usually Gen-Z slang words now. Languages all over the world tend to change and adapt according to the latest internet trendy words too.
3. Similar to the previous point, it’s encouraged not to use old Tagalog slang. Young people (and even middle-aged Filipinos) might not understand you. But, you can still use it if you’re passionate in learning Tagalog!
4. There are also slang words in Filipino (not Tagalog) that may contain other Filipino dialects and languages like Visayan, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, etc.
5. Use a language learning app like Ling to explore which sentences to use them for and other grammar rules before speaking Tagalog slang.

We hope you try out these tips. Let us know if you have other tips or suggestions in the comment section!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tagalog Slang Words

What Are Some Modern Tagalog Slangs?

Talking about modern Tagalog slangs, Gen Z Filipinos have tons of new words in their vocabulary list. Most younger Filipinos use these Tagalog slang words when talking:

1. Gorgy = shortened word for gorgeous
2. Boogsh = an expression that Filipinos make after saying a joke or a conclusion to what they said
3. Eme = works as a filler after saying a joke
4. Forda = This shortened slang came from forda person, meaning for the person but is just cut down to forda
5. Sheesh = An expression you can use when you’re in awe of something. It is the same word with the English slang “Sheesh”
6. Mid lang = isn’t of good quality or just 50/50, also is the same word with the English slang “Mid”
7. IJBOL = I just burst out laughing (same with the English phrase IJBOL)
8. Chz = Charot or just a joke
9. Ako lang to! = Literally means it’s just me! This Tagalog slang is used when you don’t want to exaggerate what you are saying, or you just want to be humble when achieving or doing something.
10. Dasurv = When you want to say deserve and imply that the results of their actions are what they deserve

Most of these words are also Filipino gay lingo or internet Tagalog slang as well. So if you want to keep up with the times, learn some of these gen Z Tagalog slangs.

What Is The Filipino Slang For Girl?

Modern Filipinas use the words bes, beh, teh, ateng, ate mo, mami, mom, mader,

What Is Pinoy In Tagalog Slang?

Believe it or not, Pinoy is actually a Tagalog slang. Pinoy means Filipino or someone that has Filipino blood. It can also refer to products made in the Philippines.

For example:

• Pinoy-made (Filipino made)
• Pinoy food (Filipino food)
• Pinoy music (Filipino music)
• Pinoy na panlasa (Filipino taste)

Learn More Slangs In The Tagalog Language

Let’s stroll down the memory lane and recall some of the facts you’ve learned today. First, the Tagalog word for slang is balbal.

Then, you’ve learned some few Tagalog slangs like jowa, nyek, chika, keri, praning, beshie, and so on.

The Filipino language is deeply connected with other languages, which is why native English or Spanish speakers can acquire this with no sweat.

It is so easy to learn, which makes it one of the most interesting foreign languages that foreigners enjoy.

Although the US Foreign Service Institute says that Tagalog is Category III (meaning it will take 44 weeks or 1100 class hours to become a master), you can memorize it quickly.

Start with these Tagalog slangs and talk to native Tagalog speakers to become familiar with the pronunciation and the writings.

Discover The Uniqueness Of The Tagalog Language Now!

Petmalu ka talaga lodi! (You’re really amazing!) Now that’s a good combination of Tagalog slang words.

You’re going to need more than just these colloquial terms, unique Tagalog words, and slang words as you step up in your Tagalog language skills.

If you want to rank from beginner to intermediate quickly, you will need lots of practice and a good handful of Tagalog vocabulary.

So how can you do this the easy way? With the Ling app of course! Spend 10-15 minutes in the intermediate and advanced units found in the Ling app. It also contains culture notes for you to understand what the Tagalog language is about.

Don’t waste your time and learn Tagalog language the best way now!