Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (12)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Kalamayin ang loob

To calm one's self

Wala sa kalingkingan

Not of the same ability/Level

Alsa-balutan

Changing as to residence

Dagok ng kapalaran

Bad luck

Daanin sa tigas ng ulo

To take anything through force

Gagapang na parang ahas

Will lead a miserable life

Kabatakang kumot

Friend

Hagisan ng tuwalya

Making the opponent surrender

Kalabasang naiiwan ang bunga

A person who accomplish nothing with the flight of time

Hampas ng kalabaw, sa kabayo ang latay

Indirect verbal attack

Ligo uwak

(Binasa lang ang buhok para magmukhang bagong ligo) A person wets his/her hair just to make it look like that he/she has taken a bath

Dagdag bawas

Cheating; Literally: adding - subtracting

Nakaharap sa dagat ang ulam 

(Maalat ang ulam) Salty food

Parang ilog ang ulam

(Nasobrahan sa sabaw ang ulam) Super soupy dish

Kinalawang na utak 

(Nakalimutan ang mga dating natutunan) Forgot everything that was previously learned

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (11)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Maitim ang budhi – tuso

(Tuso) Cunning

Usad pagong 

(Mabagal kumilos) Slow in moving

May bulsa sa balat

(Kuripot) Stingy

Nakalutang sa ulap 

(Sobrang saya) Overjoyed

Bahag ang buntot

(Duwag) Coward

Basa ang papel 

(Bistado na) Discovered; Uncovered the truth; Busted

Di madapuang langaw 

(Maganda ang bihis) Well Dressed

Itim na tupa 

(Masamang anak); Black Sheep - Bad Child

Pusong-bakal

(Hindi marunong magpatawad);  A person who does not know how to forgive

Banal na aso, santong kabayo 

(Nagbabanalbanalan) Acting good

Nagpúputók ang butsé

(Nakakramdam ng pagkairita o galit) Feeling irritated/angry

Humanap ng batong ipupokpok sa ulo

(Naghahanap ng gulo, away, o problema) Finding your own problems or mess or fight

Malabo pa sa sabaw ng pusit

When you can't see the possibility or chance of something happening

Mabait

Term used when referring to the rats

Labis sa pito kulang sa walo

Unbalanced mind 

Nabato-balani

Attracted somebody's attension by pleasing personality

Alang sumisira sa bakal kundi kalawang

A person who destroys the reputation of his friend or relative

Kalatog-pinggan

Visitors who go to parties without invitation

Walang itulak kabigin

Almost having the same characteristics

Walang balon ng salapi

Bond between two person as best friend 

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (10)

 

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Matalas ang utak

Genius

Matigas ang ulo

Stubborn; Determination not to change one's attitude

Bukal sa loob

Sincere person

Bulaklak ng dila

Exaggeration

May krus ang dila 

One who could foretell an event

Matamis ang dila

Sweet talker

Makabagbag damdamin 

Pitiful

May daga sa dibdib

Nervous; fear

Malapad ang papel

Influential person

Isinuko ni sabel ang bataan

A lady that surrendered her virginity

Mabilis ang kamay 

Snatcher

Malikot ang kamay

Habit of stealing

Makati ang dila 

Talkative

Makitid ang utak 

Incapable of understanding

Malawak ang pag-iisip 

Easy to understand

Mababaw ang luha 

An emotional person

Maghigpit ng sinturon

To be thrifty

Chibugan na 

Let's eat

Takaw mata 

(Madalîng maakit na kunin ang isang bagay na hindi naman kailangan, gaya ng pagkaing hindi káyang ubusin); Gets things not needed or gets food but unable to finish

Malaki ang ulo

(Mayabang) Arrogant

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (9)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Hating kapatid

Equal share

Kapitbisig

Cooperation

Anak-pawis

A poor man, usually a laborer

Walang bukang bibig

Favorite expression

Walang itulak kabigin

could not tell which one should be selected or chosen

Walang preno ang bibig

No control in talking

Walang susi ang bibig

Could not keep a secret

Ibilanggo sa mga bisig

To embrace

Igisa sa sariling mantika

To invite a friend to eat and to make him/her pay for the expenses

Ihatid sa Dambana

to marry someone

Mahaba ang dila 

(palasumbong) Tattletale

Buhay pusa 

Always survive in an accident; many lives; long life

Ahas 

(Traydor) traitor

May sinasabi sa buhay 

Rich

Ginintuang puso 

With good heart; with good will

Kastilyong buhangin

(Gumuhong pangarap) Broken dream

Kisap mata 

Avery short moment; A snap

Tinulak sa bangin

(Pinahamak) slander

Nagbibilang ng sisiw sa itlog

Big expectation but not sure

Panis ang laway 

A very quite person

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (8)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Pulot gata

Honeymoon

Sanga sangang dila 

Liar

Saling pusa 

Temporarily included

Pagkagat ng dilim

Twilight

Utang na loob 

Debt of gratitude

Basag ulo

Chaos, quarrel, fight

Samaing palad

Unlucky, unfortunate

Puwera usog 

To avoid sickness

Hinog sa pilit

Forced only to concent or to agree

Hinipang pantog

Sudden growth

Hubad sa katotohanan

Far from the truth

Kahit lumuha ka pa ng dugo

You won't be forgiven no matter what you do

Andres de saya 

A husband controlled by a wife

Hawak sa leeg

Controlled by someone

Ibaon sa hukay

Forget everything

Anay ng tahanan

Mistress

Ligaw tingin

Lack of self-confidence

Walang buto 

Unstable; weak

Buruhin ang sarili

to remain single

Amoy tsiko

Drunk

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (7)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Sipsip 

Always getting favors from others; self-conceited

Agbanat ka ng buto

To work hard

Suntok sa buwan

Imposible to accomplish

May asim pa

Someone is still appealing despite their age

Panakip butas

Substitute

Tubig at langis 

A pair who doesn't work well

Maluwag ang tornilyo 

Mentally imbalance

May toyo sa utak

A person with mental disorder

Hulog ka ng langit

A person who is giving a big help

Dumaan ka sa butas ng karayom 

Face impossible odds to accomplish something

Harangan man ng sibat.

You will do something no matter what it takes

Makati ang kamay 

To steal something

Isaksak mo sa baga mo

It's all yours, i don't like it

Nagpanting ang tainga

Angry

Sumunod sa agos

Go with the flow

Matalas ang dila

Someone whose words can seriously hurt

Akyat bahay 

Thief; Robber

Magdildil ng asin

To live a wretched life

Lumang tugtugin

Something that is no longer new or often heard

Ningas cogon

Not permanent or fades away quickly

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (6)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Walang katorya-torya

Used to describe anything uninteresting—be it a movie, book, person, etc.

Karancho

Buddy

Alilang-kanin

Servants that are not paid with money. They only work for food.

Bulang-gugo

Generous or what most Filipinos call “galante.”

Mabilis pa sa alas-kwatro

Is used for people who'd respond to certain tasks, right away

Pasang krus 

Carrying a big burden in life

Hugas kamay

Not taking responsibility for a deed that was done

Agaw buhay

When a person is in the brink of death because of an accident or health issues

Pusong bato

Use to describe a person with no feelings/emotions or those who don't know how to love

Pusong mamon

Merciful

Bukas Palad

Helpful

Maikli ang damit

Late comer

Lumilipad ang utak

Absent minded

Maliwanag pa sa buwan

A clear evidence

Butas ang Bulsa

No money

Mataba ang Bulsa

With much money

Magaan ang kamay 

Someone that is easily provoked and/or easily hits another person

 

Buto't balat

Skinny or malnourish

Maganda ang hinaharap 

Bright future

Balimbing

Taking two sides; traitor; turncoat person

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (5)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Haligi ng tahanan

Father

Lumagay sa tahimik

Get Married

Palay na ang lumalapit sa manok

Used to describe a girl who is taking initiative in courtship

Isang bakol ang mukha

Scowling face

Maglaro ng apoy

Betray

Parang kiti-kiti

Naughty

Patabaing baboy

Lazy

Tinik sa lalamunan

Hindrance

Ligaw intsik

Manner of courting a woman by offering gifts, in the afternoon

Pinagbiyak na buko

Anyone who looks exactly the same or wearing the same outfit

Dugong bughaw

Someone being a part of a royal family

Susmaryosep

Used as an expression of anger, frustration or disbelief

Anak ng kamote

Used to express your annoyance with something

Basang sisiw

Woeful or pitiful

Naglahong parang bula

Disappeared without a trace

Kuskus balungos

All words and complaints, but not doing anything about the situation

Makati ang paa

"Itchy feet" refers to someone who likes going places

Makalaglag-matsing

Beautiful or enchanting

Consuelo de bobo

Band-aid solution or a mock consolation given to those who has just suffered loss, rejection, or other hardships in life

Basag ang pula

Euphemism for insane or crazy person.

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (4)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Nakahiga sa salapi/pera

(Mayaman) Rich, connotes someone who is spoiled by wealth

Nagbibilang ng poste 

(Walang trabaho)  Someone who is jobless, literally counting posts

Namamangka sa dalawang ilog

(Salawahan) A person who is unfaithful

Nagmumurang kamatis

(Matandang nag-aayos binata o dalaga ) An old man/woman dresses up like a young person

Naniningalang-pugad

(Nanliligaw ) A man courting a woman

Mahaba ang Binti

(Nakakaabot palagi)  Always present , fast

Kumukulo ang dugo

(Naiinis, nasusuklam) A person who hates somebody (literal=boiling blood)

Magaan ang dugo

(Madaling makapalagayan ng loob) A person with whom one gets along easily (literal=light-blood)

Maitim ang dugo

(Salbahe, tampalasan) An evil or bad person (literal=dark-blooded)

Tulog mantika

Literally means sleeping like a cooking oil

Itaga mo pa sa Bato

A sincere promise

Pumuti Man ang Uwak at Umitim and Tagak

Impossible to Happen 

May "gintong kutsara" sa labi

Refers to someone being born wealthy

Amoy pinipig

Fragrant

Anak Dalita

Poor

Mag dilang anghel ka sana

Wishing that something that was said comes true

Kwentong barbero

Gossip

Di makabasag pinggan

Modest

Ibong mandaragit

Conqueror

Ilaw ng tahanan

Mother

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (3)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Giyera patani

Expression referring to two or more people who are having an intense argument

Tulak ng Bibig, Kabig ng Dibdib

Literally speaking - pushing (words) with one's mouth, but drawing in some feelings (in one's chest) as a result

Mamuti ang mata

A person who was stood up (literal: one whose eyes turned white), nainip sa kahihintay (bored waiting),  matagal nang naghihintay (waiting for a long time)

Utak Biya

Stupid, brainless (literal: fish-brained)

Lumaki ang Ulo

Someone who became proud, arrogant (literal: one whose head grew big)

Tubong lugaw

Extremely large profits in a small capital

Mahangin ang Ulo

Arrogant person (literal: air-headed)

Kutong lupa 

Expression used by someone irritated when referring to small kids

I-krus sa noo

To remember

Iguhit sa tubig

To forget

Nagbubuhat ng sariling bangko

Self-praise

Puti ang tainga

Scrooge

Matalas ang tainga

Madaling makarinig -- one who easily hears the news (literal: sharp-eared)

Nakapinid ang tainga/Taingang Kawali

Nagbibingi-bingihan--one who plays deaf (literal: closed-eared)

Takaw-tulog

A lazy person who always wants to stay in bed

Madaling magbago 

A person who easily changes

Tawang-aso 

A person who sneers at the same time feeling very proud and putting down someone

Isang kahig isang tuka

Used to describe the life of those who don't have sufficient money to live a standard life

Hindi mahulugang karayom

A very crowded that place 

May gatas pa sa labi

A young human being below the age of puberty

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (2)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! I also requested help from my friends. Thank you to all who have contributed 💕

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Sanggang dikit

Bond between two person as best friend

Putok sa buho

Expression refers to an adopted child or fatherless child

Para kang sirang plaka

Referring to a person who repeats the same thing over and over again

Consuelo de Bobo

Prize given to those who has just suffered loss

Panahon pa ni Mahoma

According to UP Diksiyonaryong Filipino, Mahoma is the Spanish name of Muhammad, a Muslim prophet who lived in the 6th century and has been regarded as the founder of Islam. A long time ago.

May ipot sa ulo

Literally translate as "poop in the head". This Pinoy expression is euphemism for a man who has been cheated  by his wife or partner, bu doesn't know it yet. Worse, almost everybody knows about it  (or can see the "poop" in head, so to speak) except him.

Walang katorya-torya

People used to describe a boring movie as "walang katorya-torya" which means it has no story at all.  As time went by, it condensed into "walang katorya-torya" and now used to describe anything uninteresting - be it a movie, book, person, etc..

Hilong-talilong

According to the book Malictionary by Ernie Zarate, this either means “madly in love” or a person who is in a “hurried frenzy” so much that he/she already acts like a headless chicken.

Kahiramang-Suklay

Similar to “sanggang-dikit,” this Pinoy idiomatic expression refers to a friend whom we share intimate relationship with–so intimate that we no longer mind sharing a personal comb with him/her. You normally don’t allow someone to use your personal items (such as a comb) unless you trust that person.

Bulang-gugo

When you call someone bulang-gugo, it means that he or she is generous or what most Filipinos call “galante.” It was probably named so because the gugo, or the native Filipino shampoo made from the bark of a tree, produces a lot of foam when soaked and rubbed in water.

Balitang kutsero

Fake news/rumor

Bahag ang buntot

Coward/Afraid

Basang Sisiw

Pity/Unfortunate

Asal hudas

Traitor

Halang ang bituka

Wicked

Umuusok ang tuktok

Angry

Bantay salakay

A person who pretends to be good, opportunist

Bahag ang buntot

Coward

Balat sibuyas

A sensitive person

Balat kalabaw

one who is insensitive; with dense-face (literal=buffalo-skinned)

Interesting to Know: Pinoy Old Expressions (1)

These are some words that we used to hear from our older relatives. I still hear them but not so often. Sometimes, I uttered some of them myself…. familiar with the words but not necessarily their true meanings. Most of the time, these words tickle my imagination… what might be their true meaning and origins.

I made this compilation… to remind me of these familiar words! If you know some that were not included in my list, please share with me by COMMENTING in the COMMENT BOX.

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Magsunog ng Kilay

To stay late up night studying very hard.

Mabilis pa sa alas kuwatro

To leave in a mad rush… Dashed out in a rush....

Tapos na ang boksing

It is done. Finished. Nothing can be done anymore.

Noong bata pa si Sabel

Believed to be originated as a tribute to Queen Isabella II of Spain, who reigned from 1843 to 1868. It literally means, ‘when Isabel was still but a child’. In other words, a long long time ago.

Wala kahit singkong duling

Not even a “cross-eyed 5 centavo”. No value.

Agua de Pataranta

Hard liquor disguised as a medicine that addle the minds of the men drinking it; putting them in a state of confused stupor (taranta in vernacular).

Natutulog sa Pansitan

Failure because of laziness.

Lutong Makaw

Pre-arranged winner. Rigged victory/decision.

Nineteen Kopong-Kopong. Panahon pa ni Limahong.

Long time ago, that no one remembers anymore.

Walastik!

A praise!

Aabutin ng siyam-siyam

Long wait. 

Pagputi ng Uwak

Translated in English “when the crow turns white.” Meaning ‘something that will never happen’. 

Kalapating mababa ang lipad

Euphemism for a prostitute.