jak-en-poy
Rock paper scissors in Tagalog is jak-en-poy.
jak-en-poy is the common colloquial way to refer to the game of rock paper scissors in the Philippines.
Meaning: popular child's game (noun)
Which one should you use?
You may encounter Bato, papel, gunting or the playful variation Bato-bato-pick among younger generations.
When do people say it?
The name jak-en-poy functions as an onomatopoeic or rhythmic chant that children say while performing the hand gestures of the game.
Did you know?
- The phrase 'bato-bato-pick' can be seen as a hybrid, using the Tagalog word 'bato' alongside the English word 'pick', reflecting the linguistic blending common in Philippine street games.
- The word bato in the variation Bato, papel, gunting means 'stone' or 'rock', which is a foundational word in many Tagalog idioms regarding strength or stubbornness.
- The term bato-bato-pick is often accompanied by a specific rhythmic pattern of tapping the palm or hitting the other hand, turning the verbal phrase into a physical percussion game.
Examples in context
- isa, dalawa, tatlo!One, two, three!
- Maglaro tayo ng jak-en-poy.Let's play rock paper scissors.
- Sino ang nanalo sa jak-en-poy?Who won the rock paper scissors game?
- Gamitin natin ang jak-en-poy para pumili.Let's use rock paper scissors to choose.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding who goes first in a game.
- RicardoSino ang mauna sa laro?Who goes first in the game?
- AngelaMag-jak-en-poy na lang tayo.Let's just play rock paper scissors.
- RicardoSige, handa na ako.Okay, I am ready.
- AngelaIsa, dalawa, tatlo!One, two, three!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry jak-en-poy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
