"Bahog Bilat": Understanding Filipino Swear Words

'Naimpluwensiyahan ka bang magmura? Kanino ka natuto nito?'

Swearing or cursing is a natural part of every language—it reflects emotions, frustrations, surprise, and sometimes humor. In the Philippines, Filipino curses or mga mura sa Tagalog are colorful, expressive, and deeply rooted in our colonial and cultural history. Bagaman ang ibang mura is purely native, many were influenced by over 300 years of Spanish colonization, shaping the way we speak even today. Naging bahagi na ng buhay ng mga Filipino ang pagmumura at ang iba dito ay nag-evolve sa paglipas ng panahon. Wala naman ibang tao na natuto na agad magmura habang siyay kapapanganak pa lang, lahat ito ay natutunan natin sa pakikinig, panonood o dahil sa tindi ng galit at halos araw-araw nating naririnig sa kalsada o kahit sa loob ng ating mga kabahayan ay nahawa na rin ang ilan. Ikaw natatandaan mo pa ba kung kailan ka natutong magmura? Tara pag-usapan natin.

Historically, pre-colonial Filipinos already had their own expressions of anger or exclamation. However, most of the direct, vulgar, or blasphemous words—especially those referencing religion or sexuality—can be traced back to Spanish influence. Words like “punyeta”, “leche”, and “puta” are clear examples of Spanish-derived curses that are still commonly used today, often softened in tone depending on context or emotion.

Narito ang ilang karaniwang mura sa Katagalugan at ang mga kahulugan nito, na may halimbawang paggamit:

1. “Putang ina” – Literally translates to “your mother is a whore” but is more commonly used as an expression of anger, frustration, or shock. Ito ang karaniwang ginagamit na salita ng mga Pilipino sa Luzon kapag sila ay nag eexpress ng extreme na galit sa isang tao, o di kaya ay pagkagulat sa hindi kaaya-ayang balita na kanilang narinig.

Halimbawa: “Putang ina ang gwapo ng may akda ng blog site na ito."

2. “Leche” – From the Spanish word for milk, but used by Filipinos to curse or scold someone, sometimes playfully. It's used to express frustration, annoyance, or disappointment, similar to saying "damn" or "crap" in Englis

Halimbawa: “Leche ka talaga, ang kulit mo!”

3. “Punyeta” – Derived from the Spanish “puñeta” (a vulgar term related to masturbation), but in Filipino, it’s used to express annoyance or anger.

Halimbawa: “Punyeta, nawalan na naman ng kuryente!”

4. “Gago” / “Gaga” – These words mean fool or idiot, used to insult someone’s intelligence or behavior.

Halimbawa: “Gago ka pala eh, bakit ka nagjakol sa harap ng klase niyo? Gago!”

5. “Bwisit” – A native term that means bad luck or nuisance, often used when something or someone irritates.

Halimbawa: “Bwisit na ulan ’to, hindi na naman ako makakaalis.”

5. “Tarantado” – Refers to someone reckless or beyond foolish, often with a strong negative connotation.

Halimbawa: “Tarantado ka talaga, muntik na tayong mamatay sa ginawa mo!”

6. “Ulol” – Originally referring to someone rabid or mad, now used to insult someone’s mental state or absurd behavior.

Halimbawa: “Ulol ka ba? Seryoso ako dito! Simulan na natin maghukay, sigurado ako diyan natin makikita ang Yamashita treasure”

7. "Hayop" - Means "animal" or "beast" in Tagalog, and is often used to insult someone's character.

Halimbawa: "Hayop ka Regino, ang baho ng utot mo!"

8. "Hudas" - Judas was the disciple who betrayed Jesus in the New Testament. Hudas, the Tagalog translation of the name Judas, often refers to a traitor. Like, "Hudas? Das-hu!"

Halimbawa: "Hudas ka inunahan mo na naman ako sa kaning tutong. Paborito ko yan eh!"

9. "Burat" - Filipino term for penis. Often used to express annoyance towards an unfortunate situation or a douche-y person.

Halimbawa: "Hay nako, nakakaburat na talaga 'tong traffic sa EDSA! walang asenso!"

10. "Kupal" - Kupal means smegma, the paste-like substance found inside the skin of an uncircumcised human penis. It often refers to a jerk, a ~prick~, or someone who's generally obnoxious.

Halimbawa: "Sobrang kupal niyang mga tao sa comment section, inispoil yung ending ng Squid Game!"

11. "Ungas" - Another word for stupid; a more derogatory term for ignorant.

Halimbawa: "Ang ungas mo naman magdrowing. Hindi ganyan magdrowing ng tite."

12. "Hinayupak" - Much stronger word for "hayop". Hinayupak refers to someone who acts in an inhumane manner.

Halimbawa: "Makaka-move-on din ako sayong hinayupak ka!"

13. "Pucha" - Often uttered when something came out the way one didn't expect, or as an expression of regret. It could be the closest english translation for "Dammit!"

Halimbawa: "Pucha, mukhang malelate ako sa school sa haba ng trapik dito sa Las Pinas."

14. "Pakshet" - A Filipino combined colloquial term for "fuck" and "shit". Generally used to express just about any emotion.

Halimbawa: "Pakshet sa wakas, nakuha ko rin ang tamang timpla nitong ginagawa kong love potion. Akin ka na Margarita!huehehehe"

Linkin Park - Breaking The Habit

Punta naman tayo sa Kabisayaan. Here's a more detailed look at some Visayan curse words: ( I can't give you a sample in sentences because yours truly is unable to speak the Visayan language)

1. "Yawa" - This is a very common curse, meaning "devil" or "evil spirit".

2. "Pisting Yawa" - A stronger curse, meaning "damned devil".

3. "Lintik" - Literally "lightning," but used as a curse, implying a wish for someone to be struck by lightning.

4. "Boang/Buang" - Meaning "crazy" or "foolish," is often used to insult someone's intelligence or actions.

5. "Litse/Leche" - A milder curse, related to the Spanish word for "milk," but used as an exclamation of annoyance or frustration.

6. "Gugmang Giatay" - Meaning "damned love," a sarcastic expression often used to express frustration with romantic feelings.

7. "Bahog Bilat" - A very offensive phrase, literally meaning "dirty vagina".

8. "Imong Mama" - "Your mother," often used in conjunction with other insults.

9. "Ambot sa Kambing na may Bangs" - While not a direct curse, this phrase, meaning "I don't know, ask the goat with bangs," is a dismissive and sarcastic way to avoid answering a question.

Mindanao Muslim communities use a mix of Arabic-derived and local swear words. Here are a few: ( I can't give you a sample in sentences because yours truly is unable to speak the Mindanaoan language)

1. "Al'ama" - Means "blindness" or "damn".

2. "Hayawan" - Means "animal" or "brute."

3. "Hemar" - Means "donkey."

4. "Qalil al'adab" - Means "of little literature" or "ill-mannered".

It’s important to recognize that the use of these words varies depending on tone, intent, and relationship. Among friends, some curses are used jokingly or to tease. In formal settings or around elders, they are considered rude and inappropriate. In street conversations, especially in heated arguments, curses are part of the emotional outburst and can escalate tension.

So, where did it all start?

Pre-colonial Filipinos had their expressions for cursing or invoking spirits, especially when angered or wronged. But the direct, insulting, and often sexualized nature of modern-day curses became prominent during the Spanish era, when Catholicism introduced concepts of sin, blasphemy, and guilt. Over time, these terms evolved and blended into our native language, producing the unique blend of Tagalog curses we hear today, and continue to grow.

In the end, curses are a reflection of emotion and identity—sometimes harsh, sometimes humorous. While it’s vital to understand their meaning and history, we should also learn when and how to use them appropriately. Language is powerful, and even the most vulgar words can teach us about our past, our colonizers, and ourselves.