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Ansabeh? ‘Ang Pinaka’ lists popular Pinoy expressions for 2014


The Filipino language has evolved over the years, influenced by Spanish and American colonizers and then by pop culture. We are also fond of creating quirky words and phrases that can best fit a situation. Examples of these include “waley,” “havey,” and “ikaw na.” 
 
As we begin to count down to the end of the year, here’s a rundown of the most popular expressions to have found their way into everyday Pinoy chikahan for the year 2014! 
 
10. Itey/Ditey
 “Itey” and “ditey” are variants of “ito” and “dito,” examples of gay lingo that add a twist to the original words. The gay community might like to employ this kind of wordplay to—according to Mr. Fu of 106.7 Energy FM—be the only ones who understand each other, but these days most people, gay or not, use gay slang to brighten up their daily talk. 
 
9. Alam na
“Alam na” is short for “alam niyo na” or “now you know.” This expression is sometimes tinged with malice, as it is loaded with assumptions and insinuations. People who use this expression are assuming something negative about the subject. That factor makes this expression dangerous to use. 
 
8. Anyare/Ansabe?
“Anyare” is short for “anong nangyari” while “ansabe” is short for “anong sinabi.” According to Dr. Jovy Peregrino of UP Diliman’s Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature, Filipinos are fond of removing sounds or syllables from words to make verbal shortcuts. When someone asks “anyare”, they’re not really asking what actually happened per se. They are asking (often rhetorically) why something happened. 
 
Example:
A friend gets an ugly haircut –– “anyare?”
 
7. In fairness
This expression has been around for quite some time now, and it has no plans of going out of style. According to Mr. Fu, some well-known personalities use this expression all the time no matter the situation. It can have the same purpose as “actually,” and is even often used when it’s not actually needed. The expression also has no connection to the actual concept of fairness.
 
Examples:
“In fairness, ang ganda ng hair ko.”
“In fairness, ang bigat mo.”
 
6. Di ba puwedeng…
This expression refutes a prior statement and offers a funny alternative. According to Dr. Jovy, this expression also gives a comparison in intensity. 
 
Examples:
“Boyfriend agad, di ba puwedeng close lang?”
“Kapag single, pangit agad. Di ba puwedeng choosy lang?”
 
5. Pag may time
This is often used to make a humble request. People don’t want to burden the one they’re asking a favor from, so they add the expression “pag may time.” Nowadays, this expression is used for fun and it helps to exaggerate a fact. It is also used to push someone to do something, and it may not necessarily be a favor. DJ Nicole Hyala of 90.7 Love Radio thinks this expression has reached its peak already, and hopes that people refrain from using it. 
 
Example:
“Puro ka na lang barkada. Aral-aral muna pag may time.”
 
4. Peg
This word comes from advertising jargon and it pertains to the mood, style, or theme that a person is going for. According to Dr. Jovy, using a “peg” helps in visualizing what you’re pertaining to. It aids in explaining and delivering your message.
 
Example:
A person gets head shaved –– “Boy Abunda ang peg?”
 
3. Push mo ’yan
This simply means “go for it.” When you want to encourage someone or show your support, this expression is apt. Most of the time, this expression connotes positivity. However, the meaning can change depending on the situation or manner it is said.
 
Example:
Nagmamaganda ang isang babae pero hindi naman kagandahan –– “sige, push  mo ‘yan.”
 
2. Teh!
This term is short for “ate,” or elder sister. Nowadays, “teh,” “tey,” or “ateng” are used to address just about anybody, female or not. According to Dr. Jovy, addressing someone with “ate” is a manifestation of respect and closeness. “Teh” is used freely in informal situations and is considered a term of endearment that lightens conversation further.
 
1. Chos
“Chos” is the shortened form of “echos,” which probably is the twin sister of “charot.” When a person ends a statement with this term, he or she is not serious or is telling a joke. It’s a term that has been around for quite some time. In the words of DJ Nicole, “kumbaga sa career niya as a singer, nakagawa na siya ng 59 albums.” However, since Filipinos are naturally non-confrontational, a negative comment is sometimes punctuated with a “chos” to make the statement lighter. 
 
Example:
“Kamukha ko si Megan Fox. Chos!”
 
There you have it, the Top 10 Most Popular Pinoy Expressions of 2014! –– Elise Maog/BM, GMA News
 
“Ang Pinaka” airs every Sunday, 6:30 PM, on GMA News TV. Follow the program on Facebook and Twitter: