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atsoy

male domestic helper

noun AT-soy Colloquial origin Rare

Usage Note

Atsoy is a colloquial and generally pejorative term for a male domestic worker, the masculine counterpart to atsay. Like atsay, the word is considered disrespectful and is best avoided in formal or polite contexts. Kasambahay is the widely accepted respectful term regardless of the worker's gender.

Examples

Beginner

" Bago ang kanilang atsoy. "

Natural Translation

Their male helper is new.

Literal Translation

New the their male-helper.

Intermediate

" May atsoy sila sa bahay. "

Natural Translation

They have a male helper at home.

Literal Translation

Has male-helper they at house.

Advanced

" Sa halip na tawaging atsoy, mas magalang na tawagin ang isang lalaking manggagawa sa bahay na kasambahay. "

Natural Translation

Instead of calling him an atsoy, it is more respectful to call a male household worker a kasambahay.

Literal Translation

In place of call male-helper, more respectful to call the a male worker in house kasambahay.

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