salitang balbal
The English word "slang" is translated into Tagalog as salitang balbal. Wiktionary also lists salitang kanto.
Meaning: unconventional language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog |
|---|
| salitang balbal |
| salitang kanto |
The term refers to unconventional language (noun).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase salitang balbal is composed of salita, meaning "word" and balbal, meaning "slang" or "street language".
Which one should you use?
While salitang balbal is the formal term for slang, salitang kanto is a more colloquial expression. It literally means "corner word" and refers to the street slang used by people hanging out on street corners.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form "slang words", add the marker mga before the phrase to get mga salitang balbal.
Did you know?
- Tagalog has a unique tradition of 'inverted slang' where words are spelled backward. For example, the word lodi is the reverse of 'idol' and werpa is the reverse of 'power'.
- Beyond street slang, the Philippines has a famous historical slang called 'Swardspeak' or Gay Lingo, which blends Tagalog, English and Spanish to create a secret code.
- The word kanto in salitang kanto traces its lineage back to the Latin canthus, which originally described the metal rim of a wheel.
Examples in context
- Maraming salitang balbal ang ginagamit ng mga kabataan.Many slang words are used by young people.
- Hindi ko maintindihan ang bawat salitang balbal na ito.I cannot understand every slang word here.
- Ang salitang balbal ay bahagi ng ating kultura.Slang is part of our culture.
Example conversation
Jasmine and Juan are discussing a song they heard.
- JasmineJuan, masyadong maraming salitang balbal sa kanta.Juan, there are too many slang words in the song.
- JuanOo, pero masaya itong pakinggan.Yes, but it is fun to listen to.
- JasmineMinsan ay nakakalito ang mga ito.Sometimes these are confusing.
- JuanSanay ka rin dapat sa mga ito.You should also get used to them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slang” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries balbal, kanto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
