astig
/ʔasˈtiɡ/
In Tagalog, the word for cool is astig.
astig is a slang term used to describe something impressive or stylish, rather than a temperature.
Meaning: having a slightly low temperature (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
astig is a back-slang or reversed form of the word tigas, which means 'hardness' or 'stiffness', used metaphorically to mean 'tough' or 'cool'.
Which one should you use?
While 'astig' is used for the slang meaning of 'cool' (impressive), 'malamig' is used for the literal temperature meaning of 'cool' or 'cold'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
astig is an informal slang term. Kahanga-hanga translates to admirable or awe-inspiring and can be used to express a sense of approval or admiration. Sosyal is used to describe something or someone as fashionable or posh.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔasˈtiɡ/
Did you know?
- Using astig is a form of 'back-slang', a linguistic game where words are flipped to create a secret or trendy vocabulary.
- In the Philippines, using astig can describe not just a person's style, but also a bold or rebellious attitude that commands respect.
- The root word for astig, tigas, is used in Tagalog to describe everything from a hard rock to a person's stubbornness or resilience.
Examples in context
- Ang astig talaga nito, hindi ba?This is really cool, isn't it?This sentence shows how to use astig to express that an object is really cool.Tatoeba #11571422 by qwertzu, translation #11565156 by CK
- Ang astig niya.She's really cool.This sentence shows how to use astig to describe a person as cool.Tatoeba #11273407 by qwertzu, translation #7090090 by Hybrid
- Ang galing ng iyong presentasyon!Your presentation was excellent!
- Akin na lang ang latest smartphone! Ang astig ng features!I want to have the latest smartphone! The features are so cool!
- Oo nga, astig talaga!Yes, it's really cool!
Example conversation
Maria and Mark are walking in a park.
- MariaAng astig ng simoy ng hangin.The breeze is cool.
- MarkOo, presko talaga dito.Yes, it is really refreshing here.
- MariaGusto ko ang astig na temperatura.I like the cool temperature.
- MarkAko rin, nakaka-relax ito.Me too, this is relaxing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry astig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
