astig
astíg with stress marks
person who acts tough
Usage Note
Astig is a widely used Filipino slang word meaning cool, tough, badass, or impressive. Originally it described someone who acts hard or intimidating, but its meaning has broadened to simply mean awesome or admirable. It is extremely common in youth culture, social media, and casual conversation. The word is believed to be a reversal (binaliktad) of 'tigás' (hard/tough), a common feature of Filipino street slang.
Examples
" Astig ang bago niyang sapatos. "
Natural Translation
His new shoes are cool.
Literal Translation
Cool the new his shoes.
" Siya ay isang astig na tao. "
Natural Translation
He/She is a tough person.
Literal Translation
He/She is one tough that person.
" Akala ng iba astig siya dahil malakas magsalita, pero mabait naman pala talaga. "
Natural Translation
Others thought he was tough because he speaks loudly, but it turns out he's actually kind.
Literal Translation
Thought of others tough he because loud to-speak, but kind actually really.
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