baliw
/baˈliw/
The Tagalog word for 'maniac' is baliw.
baliw is used as a noun to refer to an insane person.
Meaning: insane person (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈliw/
Did you know?
- While baliw is the standard term, the word sira-ulo is a common alternative that literally translates to 'broken head'.
- In Filipino culture, baliw is often used colloquially to describe someone who is 'crazy' with love or passion, rather than mentally ill.
- Despite its modern use to mean 'insane', the word baliw traces back to a root meaning 'to return'.
Examples in context
- Ang lalaking yun, baliw sa sasakyan.That man is crazy about cars.
- Loko 'yang kaibigan mo, adik sa video games!Your friend is crazy about video games!
- Adik sa basketball si Pedro.Pedro is a maniac for basketball.
- Siya ay parang baliw.He is like a maniac.
- May baliw sa kanto.There is a maniac on the corner.
- Huwag kang makinig sa baliw na iyon.Don't listen to that maniac.
Example conversation
Jasmine and Jose are watching a strange man in the street.
- JasmineJose, tingnan mo ang baliw na iyon.Jose, look at that maniac.
- JoseNakakatakot siya, Jasmine.He is scary, Jasmine.
- JasmineMukha siyang baliw.He looks like a maniac.
- JoseUmalis na tayo rito.Let's get out of here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry baliw, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baliw, CC BY-SA 4.0.
