malandi
The Tagalog word for promiscuous is malandi.
Malandi is a colloquial term used to describe someone who is flirtatious or has a tendency to engage in non-committal relationships. In a lighter, more casual context, it is often used to describe someone who is simply being flirtatious.
Meaning: indiscriminate in choice of sexual partners (adj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Malandi is often used colloquially to mean flirtatious or slutty, and can be quite offensive depending on the context.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse malandi (promiscuous/flirtatious) with maldita (mean/bitchy), as they are distinct adjectives.
Did you know?
- The term malandi can be used to describe inanimate objects or animals if they appear to be 'inviting' or acting in a provocative way.
- In modern Filipino pop culture, the term is sometimes used ironically or playfully among close female friends to describe someone who is acting particularly charming or 'extra' during a night out. This social softening changes the sting of the word.
- In traditional Filipino courtship, acting malandi was historically viewed as a social transgression for women but was often overlooked or ignored for men.
Examples in context
- Ang babae na 'yun, sobrang malandi. Hindi siya marunong magseryoso sa kahit na sinong lalaki.That girl, she's extremely flirtatious. She never takes any man seriously.
- Masyadong malandi ang babaeng iyon.That woman is too promiscuous.
- Huwag kang maging malandi sa mga lalaki.Don't be promiscuous with men.
Example conversation
Two friends are gossiping about a person in their neighborhood.
- RicardoSabi nila, malandi raw ang kapitbahay ninyo.They say your neighbor is promiscuous.
- MariaTotoo ba ang mga tsismis na iyan?Is that gossip true?
- RicardoMukhang totoo dahil marami siyang karelasyon.It seems true because she has many partners.
- MariaNakakagulat naman ang balitang iyan.That news is quite shocking.
