Slang

1. Bitaw

   Right / indeed

   Usage

   The agreement filler. Safe with anyone — add "sir/ma'am" when speaking to someone older or senior

2. Lagi

   Really / for sure

   Usage

   A particle that adds emphasis or agreement, safe with anyone. "Lami lagi!" means "it really is delicious!"

3. Gyud

   Really / definitely

   Usage

   The emphasis particle, often written "jud" in chat. Safe with anyone

4. Kuan

   Um / whatchamacallit

   Usage

   The all-purpose filler when a word will not come. Safe with anyone — using it usually earns a laugh and a hand

5. Ambot

   Dunno

   Usage

   The Cebuano counterpart of Tagalog "ewan". It sounds curt — with elders or staff use "Wala ko kabalo" instead

6. Sakto

   Exactly / just right

   Usage

   Correct, or exactly the right amount — also used about prices and portions. Safe with anyone

7. Mao ba?

   Oh really?

   Usage

   A mild surprised response. Safe with anyone, and handy for keeping a conversation going

8. Kalami

   So delicious!

   Usage

   The exclamatory "ka-" form. Use it only about food — it always delights whoever cooked

9. Kanindot

   So beautiful!

   Usage

   An exclamation for scenery, objects and clothes. Think about your relationship before aiming it at someone's looks

10. Grabe

    Wow / intense

    Usage

    Surprise, good or bad. Safe with anyone, but aimed at someone's mistake it sounds like blame

11. Hala

    Uh-oh / oh no

    Usage

    An interjection of surprise or dismay, safe with anyone. "Hala sige" is also a casual goodbye

12. Sus

    Oh come on

    Usage

    Short for "Hesus" — exasperation or a sigh. Fine with friends, but avoid it in front of devout older people

13. Charot

    Just kidding

    Usage

    The tag that reveals a joke, also said "charing". For friends your own age — not for elders

14. Atik ra

    Just messing around

    Usage

    "Atik" is pretence. Used to own up to a joke — among friends only

15. Bes

    Bestie

    Usage

    From "best friend" — a term of address for close friends your age. Not for strangers or elders

16. Chika

    Chitchat / gossip

    Usage

    To chat. "Mag-chika ta!" means "let's catch up" — for friends

17. Kadyot lang

    Just a sec

    Usage

    Asking for a very short moment. Safe with anyone — add "palihug" (please) for elders

18. Tarong

    Properly

    Usage

    Colloquial "do it properly". As a command to someone it sounds like criticism — safer said about yourself

19. Ayos

    All good

    Usage

    "Fine, no problem". Safe with anyone, including when agreeing a price or a plan

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