5+ Best Tagalog Swear Words That You Should Know!

Original blog post: https://ling-app.com/fil/tagalog-swear-words/

If you are looking for a cheat sheet in order to know more about Tagalog swear words then you have come to the right place. In this article by the Ling App, you will learn about the meaning of these Filipino swear words and how to use them when you need to. If this interests you, read on!

The Tagalog Language

Undoubtedly, learning about the complexities of this Asian language or even simple Tagalog phrases is very fun. Not only because knowing a thing or two about Tagalog is something that a Filipino can appreciate, but because of the multiple meanings behind every word.

The Tagalog language, especially the Tagalog swear words, is very expressive too! Like all other languages, you can use these words to express anger, express annoyance, or even express happiness.

There are various contexts in which you can use these Tagalog bad words which makes it very entertaining to some, but fun to many.

The Tagalog Swear Words: Your Ultimate Cheat Sheet

Tagalog swear words are by far the best set of swear words that you will ever come across. Most of them are rooted in a Spanish word, given how the country was colonized by them centuries ago which has also led to the changes in the Philippines’ culture, language, religion, and basically almost everything.

When you encounter a Filipino saying these swear words, it does not necessarily mean that they’re angry at you because, in Filipino culture, these swear words are used to express and it is somehow normalized in the country to use them as a form of expression.

Pay attention to the situation you are in and their facial expression! It will surely help you out in figuring out what they actually mean, besides the swear words that they’ve said.

If this interests you, read on!

Putangina / Putangina Mo

This swear word is actually one of the most common swear words that you might come across when you talk to a Filipino or when you find yourself visiting the Philippines.

This literally translates to the English curse word which is “son of a b*tch”. Usually used to curse someone, you can also use this when you feel excited or happy.

• “Putangina, ang saya ko!” (Son of a b*tch, I am so happy!)
• “Galit ako sa’yo, putangina mo” (I am mad at you, son of a b*tch)

Ulol

Popular among teenagers in the Philippines, this word refers to the word crazy. When you are annoyed at somebody or you want to curse at someone out of annoyance, you can use the word ulol.

In friend groups in the Philippines, it is common to sometimes call your friends this word because of how close you are or if you find them doing something that you feel is funny.

• “Ulol ka ba?” (Are you crazy?)
• “Pinagsasabi mo jan, ulol ka” (What are you saying? You’re crazy)

Gago

Similar to the word ulol, gago means stupid. The way this word is used is also the same as others. You can use this in a joking manner or when you’re cursing someone.

Don’t use these words when you’re talking to your lolo or lola (your grandparents) or the elderly because you might get an earful when you do!

• “Huy gago” (Hey, stupid)
• “Putang ina, gago ka ba?”( Son of a b*tch, are you stupid?)

Pakyu

There’s a high chance that you might know what is the meaning of this because this the Filipino version of the curse word “F**k you”

If you feel frustration or anger when you’re talking to someone but you don’t want to be obvious that you feel that way, this might just be the perfect word used to express.

• “Talaga? Pakyu” (Really? F**k you)
• “Pakyu, sana ‘di ka makatulog” (F**k you, I hope you don’t sleep well at night)

Hayop Ka

This is Filipino profanity that literally translates to “You are an animal”. However, this can also mean “Son of a b*tch” like the swear word putang ina.

You can hear this a lot when people are fighting with one another and they can’t control their emotions already, especially with the elderly.

• “Hayop ka! Ba’t mo ‘yan sinabi?” (Son of a b*tch! Why did you say that?)
• “Alam mo hayop ka” (You know what? You’re a son of a b*tch)

Sira Ulo

This literally means broken head/brain but in English, this also means you’re crazy. Oftentimes, it is used to joke around with friends, you can say this whenever your friend is acting funny and both of you have a very close-knit relationship with one another. Or if you are fighting with someone and what they’re saying is a lie or is completely foolish.

• “Sira ulo ka ba?” (Are you crazy?)
• “Hoy! Sira ulo ka, putang ina mo” (Hey! You’re crazy, son of a b*tch)

Walang Hiya

If you are a fan of Filipino dramas, then this is no stranger to you. Used whenever someone is feeling like they are overstepping your boundaries and patience, this means “You are shameless”.

If you feel like someone is actually doing things that are offensive towards you without any care, then this is the perfect word for you.

• “Gago! Walang hiya ka” (You’re crazy! You have no shame)
• “Lumayas ka dito walang hiya ka!” (You’re shameless, leave!)

These are just some of the swear words and profanities that you can use when you feel like doing so. May it be out of frustration, excitement, or you find someone annoying, then this cheat sheet should be of help!

Even if that is the case, these swear words should be used only when necessary or if you are talking to someone that you are very close with or people that you know won’t get mad at you if you swear.

The culture of the Filipinos might display the traits of being hospitable and welcoming, but they also value respect above all things, especially with the elderly.

Using these swear words carelessly might cause you trouble or worse, might put you in a fight! Be careful.

Want To Learn More?

After learning all of these, what’s next? Well, if you are up for the challenge, you might want to learn more Tagalog through the Ling App!

The Ling App offers a diverse set of languages that are fit for you. Through bite-sized and gamified activities and lessons, learning is not just enjoyable but is also very effective. If you want to step up your language skills and achieve your language goals, the Ling App is the perfect language learning platform for you.

With an easy-to-navigate-and-convenient interface, you can bring the Ling App anywhere you go and learn a new second language with ease. Whether it is to learn about Tagalog, Chinese, Spanish, or Punjabi, you can learn it on the go. Cool, right?

With the Ling App, not only will you have access to fun lessons but you can also open a new world of language learning that you’ve never experienced before! With language learning made easy and fun, the Ling App is definitely the way to go. Check out the Ling App now!