Bulaga
Bulagâ with stress marks
surprise (Boo!)
Also means
Bulaga is also the name of the long-running noontime variety show 'Eat Bulaga', making it a culturally iconic word beyond its original exclamatory use.
Usage Note
Bulaga is the Tagalog equivalent of 'Boo!' — shouted when jumping out to surprise someone, especially during games with young children. It is strongly associated with Filipino childhood play and the game of peek-a-boo. The word is inherently playful and carries no negative connotation.
Examples
" Bulaga! Natakot ka ba? "
Natural Translation
Boo! Were you scared?
Literal Translation
Boo! Scared you question?
" Nagtago si Kuya sa likod ng pinto at sumigaw ng 'Bulaga!' nang lumabas si Inay. "
Natural Translation
Kuya hid behind the door and shouted 'Bulaga!' when Mom came out.
Literal Translation
Hid Kuya behind the door and shouted 'Bulaga!' when came-out Mom.
" Tahimik na lumapit ang ama sa likuran ng kanyang anak at biglang sumigaw ng 'Bulaga!' na ikinatawa ng buong pamilya. "
Natural Translation
The father quietly crept up behind his child and suddenly shouted 'Boo!', which made the whole family laugh.
Literal Translation
Quietly approached the father at back of his child and suddenly shouted 'Boo!' which laughed-at by-the whole family.
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