Tagalog Slang for Everyday Use
Phrases & Vocabulary, Slang
Tagalog continues to evolve quickly, especially with local influences from English and Spanish. To help you understand and join casual conversations, here are common Tagalog slang words used in everyday life in the Philippines.
Pinoy / Pinay
Meaning: Filipino / Filipina
Example:
Ako ay Pinoy.
I am Filipino.
Taratitat
Meaning: Someone who talks a lot; very chatty
Example:
Taratitat siya talaga.
He is really talkative.
Chibog
Meaning: Mealtime / To eat
Example:
Chibog na tayo!
Come on, let’s eat!
Kulelat
Meaning: Last place, or someone at the bottom of the results
Example:
Kulelat siya sa karera.
He is last in the race.
Tagalog Expressions People Should Use Carefully
Category: Phrases & Vocabulary, Slang (Non-Offensive Version)
Many learners are curious about intense or emotional expressions. Below are safer alternatives to commonly known strong words in Tagalog. These versions avoid profanity but help you understand the meaning or tone behind them.
Pagsusumpa / Pagmumura (Swearing)
Meaning: Strong or emotional language, often used when someone is upset.
Mabigat na Pag-aakusa
(Original version is a harsh insult. Use this instead.)
Example Context: Used when someone is extremely frustrated or angry.
Tanga → “Huwag Ganyan” / “Hindi Tama”
Meaning: Instead of calling someone an “idiot,” a polite alternative is:
“Hindi tama ang ginawa mo.”
What you did wasn’t right.
Tae → “Dumi”
Meaning: Dirt or mess (a softer and polite term)
Panget → “Hindi Kaaya-aya”
Meaning: Not pleasant; not appealing
Example:
Hindi kaaya-aya ang ginawa niya.
What he did wasn’t nice.
Puwit → “Likuran”
Meaning: Backside
Gago → “Hindi Marunong Umayos”
Meaning: Someone acting foolishly or not behaving properly.
Ulol → “Hindi Maayos Mag-Isip”
Meaning: A rude way to say someone isn’t thinking clearly. A non-offensive version would be:
“Mag-isip ka naman nang maayos.”
Please think more clearly.
Tarantado → “Walang Galang”
Meaning: Someone being very disrespectful.
“Ang bobo mo.” → “Mag-aral ka pa.”
A kinder alternative meaning:
“You need to study or learn more.”
Sira ulo → “Medyo Magulo ang Isipan”
A softer way to say someone is overwhelmed or stressed.
“Ang panget ng mukha mo.” → “Hindi maganda ang sinasabi mo.”
A polite replacement that removes the insult while keeping the intention to correct someone’s behavior.