7 Deep Pinoy Words To Enrich Your Vocabulary

Discovering deep Pinoy words is like unlocking the heart of Filipino culture. Exploring them helps us connect with our roots, express emotions more deeply, and celebrate the beauty of our native language. So, what are these words, then?

1. Alimuom

This refers to the strong stench of the ground when wet, especially after the rain. Imagine us sniffing this every rainy season?

Example Sentence: Kapag nakalanghap ka ng alimuom, pwede yang ikasakit ng tiyan mo.

2. Bagwis

If you watched the early 2000s fantasy drama “Mulawin,” you’ll remember this one! This refers to the wings’ remiges, or simply flight feathers.

Example Sentence: Nasugatan ang bagwis ng aming alagang ibon kagabi.

3. Balintuna

As yummy as it sounds (because tuna, get it?), this word actually refers to an irony or paradox.

Example Sentence: Hindi ba’t isang malaking balintuna ang mga tumatakbo sa eleksyon nang walang kaalaman sa ating batas?

4. Himutok

This ain’t a sigh of relief with this deep Pinoy word; it means a deep sigh of despair or frustration.

Example Sentence: Nag-himutok nalang ako noong nalaman kong ubos na ang ice cream sa bahay.

5. Marahuyo

This means to be captivated or enchanted by someone or something. If anyone could translate Taylor Swift’s song “Enchanted” to Tagalog, this would most likely be its title.

Example Sentence: Nang nakita kita, ako’y narahuyo sayo.

6. Ligalig

This is an interesting one. Depending on how you pronounce this deep Pinoy word, it could mean either being noisy or feeling restless or anxious.

Example Sentences: 

Huwag kang maligalig at baka magising yung bata (noisy).

Ligalig na si Inay dahil hindi pa umuuwi si Itay (restless).

7. Kariktan

This word is commonly used in Tagalog worship songs because it means beauty or elegance.

Example Sentence: Hinahanap namin kariktan ng Iyong mukha, sumasamo sa Iyong pagkilos.

READ: Pinoy Expressions and their Origin Stories

Isn’t it fascinating to discover such deep Pinoy words? People have also weighed in on its uses per dialect, so the learning never stops!