ปังมาก
pang mak
The English phrase "slay" can be translated into the Thai slang ปังมาก (pang mak).
While the English word "slay" can mean to kill, the Thai phrase ปังมาก is used exclusively in a positive, complimentary sense regarding appearance, performance or success. You might also use the slang term เก๋ (gêk) to describe someone who looks cool, stylish or trendy.
Meaning: to kill, murder (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The term ปังมาก is composed of ปัง (pang), which literally refers to the sound of a bang or an explosion, used metaphorically to describe something that hits with great impact.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase ปังมาก (pang mak) is used as slang to mean someone is 'slaying' or looking exceptionally good/impressive.
How do you pronounce it?
pang mak
Did you know?
- The word ปัง (pang) was originally used in Thai to describe a 'flop' or a failure, the opposite of its current meaning. The shift to meaning 'slay' occurred within the LGBTQ+ and pageant communities before entering mainstream speech.
- The term ปัง (pang) is often paired with the word ปุริเย่ (puriyé), a nonsense word added for flair and rhythm, creating the phrase ปังปุริเย่ to mean 'extraordinarily slaying'.
- In formal Thai, the word for 'kill' is ฆ่า (khâ), which is never used in the complimentary slang sense that the English word 'slay' is used in the West.
Examples in context
- คนนั้นแต่งตัวเก๋มากThat person is dressed really stylishly.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a red carpet photo.
- พิมล Pimonดูรูปนี้สิ ปังมากเลยใช่ไหม?du rup ni si, pang mak loei chai mai?Look at this photo, it's slaying, right?
- วิทวัส Witthawatใช่ครับ ดูดีมากจริงๆchai khrap, du di mak ching-chingYes, it really looks great.
- พิมล Pimonฉันอยากแต่งตัวให้ปังมากแบบนี้บ้างchan yak taeng tua hai pang mak baep ni bangI want to dress up and slay like this too.
- วิทวัส Witthawatคุณทำได้แน่นอนครับ พิมลkhun tham dai nae non khrap, PhimonYou can definitely do it, Phimon.
