Pinoy Expressions and their Origin Stories

When it comes to language, we Filipinos have no shortage of colorful words and phrases. Some of these Pinoy expressions come from places where one least expects them, and from a time people barely remember!

Here is a list of nine commonly used Filipino expressions, along with their origin stories and sample sentences and use cases to help you out:

1. Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro

“Tignan mo yang si Nene! Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro kung tumakbo sa palayan ni Mang Carding!”

Pinoys use this expression to describe someone who leaves in a hurry. It was coined from the former Insular Ice Plant in Lawton, Ermita, which had a prominent 10-floor chimney and a loud siren that signaled work shifts at 7 a.m., 12 n.n., and 4 p.m. Employees eagerly anticipated the final siren and rushed to be in front of the line and log out first.

Common use case: On your co-worker who leaves on the dot!

2. Marites Mode: ON

“Marites Mode: ON muna ako ngayon kasi narinig ko na dinukot ang anak ni Aling Susan!”

One of the more recently developed Pinoy expressions! We use this one when someone either looks for new gossip to talk about or is already spilling said gossip. This is an extension of the slang word marites, which means someone who keeps up with the latest gossip.

Common use case: When bracing yourself for the next juicy bit of information, on anything, really!

READ: Why our kween Catriona Gray is still the best Miss Universe

3. Nineteen kopong-kopong

“Sabi ni Mang Jun, nineteen kopong-kopong pa nang huli silang mag-usap ng anak niya.” 

This expression indicates a time that no one remembers anymore. Back in the 1950s, Pinoys perceived the 1900s as a distant past. They incorporated this with the Indonesian word kopong, which means no content or empty. When combined, the expression translates to nineteen zero-zero.

Common use case: Oldies still use this when looking back at something that not necessarily doesn’t exist anymore, but perhaps has made a comeback!

4. Pupulutin sa kangkungan

“Sugarol daw ang anak niya. Pupulutin na siya sa kangkungan kung itutuloy niya iyon.”

This Pinoy expression describes the summary execution of someone who committed a serious crime without the benefit of a trial. It also means that someone will fail miserably and will be discarded like trash. 

Its origin story is a bit grim: bodies from summary executions were often disposed of by hiding them under dense kangkong in swampy areas like the Pasig River. The media coined the term salvaging because the victims’ cadavers were frequently discovered there.

Common use case: Fortunately this now has expanded its use to less grim applications, possibly referring to someone who fails or loses in a game or match.

5. Tapos na ang boksing!

“Wala nga siyang pera dahil sa pagsusugal niya. Tapos na ang boksing para sa kanya!”

Pinoys use this expression when something is finished. Teenagers during the Japanese Occupation used this to convey conflicting statements. For pro-Japanese individuals, it signaled the belief that America was defeated, while those hopeful of America’s return interpreted it as a symbol of Japan’s eventual downfall.

Common use case: As sports lovers, Filipinos now use this in almost any sport when they perceive a match to be over.

6. Lutong makaw

“Marami na rin siyang kaaway dahil lagi niyang sinasabi na lutong makaw ang mga laro nila.”

This is one of our favorite Pinoy expressions! In competitions, this is used to describe a rigged decision. Back in the 1930s, Manileños referred to Chinese immigrants, specifically cooks, as makaw, which was derived from Macau Island. The expression refers to their dishes being cooked Macau style.

Common use case: Again, this is used a lot in sports. Unfortunately, it often marks as a poor reflection of officiating, management, or ownership.

7. Natutulog sa pansitan

“Ayan tuloy! Natutulog siya sa pansitan; imbes na tulungan niya ang tatay niya sa palayan!”

Pinoys use this expression when someone fails to grab an opportunity because of laziness. The herb it is coined after, Pansit-pansitan, has soft, fleshy leaves and grows in cool, damp places. The expression originated from field workers napping on its patches, which could have led to unfinished work and missed opportunities from extended breaks.

Common use case: You’ll still hear this in schools, as teachers use it on their students!

8. Susmaryosep!

“Susmariosep! Nakatanggap si Mang Boy ng ransom note mula kay Ruben!”

Pinoys typically use this expression to convey shock or disbelief over something outrageous—even blasphemous! The word is a contraction of the names of the Holy Family, namely Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Common use case: This is still veeeryyy commonly used among older ladies…devout Catholics or otherwise!

9. Pinaglihi sa sama ng loob

“Pinaglihi sa sama ng loob yang si Bong, e! Napakasama lagi ng tono niyan.”

If you know someone who is always in a bad mood, you can use this Pinoy expression to chide them. The verb pinaglihi, or pinaglilihi, describes a pregnant woman’s extreme craving that, when fulfilled, could also affect their unborn child. For example, if a woman craves mangoes during pregnancy, their child could also like mangoes in the future.

Common use case: You can still hear people saying this about someone they don’t necessarily dislike, but perhaps they’re just picking on that someone’s mood or behavior. It can certainly be used playfully!

–

We surely have a way with words, and these Pinoy expressions are just the tip of the iceberg! What’s your favorite Pinoy expression? Did you find it here or did we miss it? Sound off in the comments section!