The Ultimate Pinoy Expressions

“Huuy! Ano baaa, sabi mo sabay tayo? BV ka!”

Huy.

Ano ba.

BV.

Sounds familiar?

I often hear these from my friends especially from the girls. These are just some of the expressions that we Filipinos use. We’ve made it a habit of using expressions every time we talk or react. Every time. Even if the word we say doesn’t even make sense. Even if we used the word incorrectly. Although we don’t notice it anymore because we use it every time that it becomes normal to us. There are many expressions which are irritating. I really hate BV. Especially when they say it like “Bee Veeee!” It really hurts my ears. I use expressions too. Like, “grabeee” and “di nga?” There are also times when what we say are just expressions like, “Weh!? Asa! Di nga!?” So anyway, I chose ten expressions Filipinos often use.

Asa- we always use it when we become defensive or whenever we deny something. Example when someone says we like someone our usual reply is “Asa naman!” Which is short for “Umasa ka na lang na magkakagusto ako sa iyo.” Or when someone says that someone likes you and you say, “Di yan. Asa naman” Which is.... so wrong. Although I am also guilty of saying that haha.

Weh di nga? – is what we say when we can’t believe what someone told us. Weh is often said as “weeeeh”. 

BV- or bad vibes is what we say when we get irritated. This is actually like an alternative of “Kainiiis!” Well, both have the same function. Maybe they still wanted to shorten it. 

In fairness – this is often used incorrectly. I admit, I don’t know how to use this. Sometimes I would just comment “In fairness” but it doesn’t really have a connection to what the other person is saying. It’s actually like an insult. For example, “In fairness, ang ganda ng bag niya.” It’s like you’re looking for something positive in a negative person, object, etc.

Astig – which means “tigas” or “tigasin”. Why we always say astig to describe something amazing, well, I don’t really know. This is a very good example of an expression we often use but doesn’t really make sense. I mean, really, whenever we’re amazed we always say “Astiiiig!”

Grabe – this, we often use to exaggerate. Even when the situation is just, well, normal, we still say grabe. “Grabe, hanggang mamaya pang 5 yung klase ko.”

As in/as if – we use this to emphasize. There are times when we use this with grabe. “Grabe, ang pangit niya, as in!”

Dyusko – they say this is blasphemous because it’s a shortened word for “Diyos ko po.” It’s supposed to be a plea for help. Well, in a way, it still is. It’s a plea for patience. Haha. An example is when you’re groupmate made a mistake and ruined your project, you say, “Dyusko namaaaaan, ano bang nangyari?”.

Hala – is used to scare someone. Especially to children. “Halaaa, sige, kapag hindi ka nagpakabait, kukunin ka nung mamang yun!” Now it’s a reaction to when you get surprised, nervous or scared. It’s often used when you forgot something. “Hala! Nakalimutan ko yung assignment ko!”

Imba – or imbalanced. This started from DOTA, they say. Up until now, the meaning is still very vague. We just use it to describe someone who is good at something.

There are still so many expressions that we Filipinos use. It’s actually irritating and funny at the same time how we use these words. But, no matter how silly it may be, it is now becoming a part of our culture. We can either use these or not. It’s our choice. But believe me, sooner or later, you’ll be affected by the people around you, who use them.