balasubas
balasubás with stress marks
swindler; one who doesn't pay debt
Usage Note
Balasubas is a strongly negative term for someone who is dishonest about money — specifically one who takes loans or obligations and deliberately avoids repayment. It carries real social stigma in Filipino culture where utang and hiya are deeply tied.
Examples
" Balasubas ang katabi naming umuupa. "
Natural Translation
Our neighboring tenant is a deadbeat.
Literal Translation
Swindler the neighbor our that renting.
" Ang taong iyon ay balasubas. "
Natural Translation
That person is a swindler.
Literal Translation
The person that is swindler.
" Huwag kang makikipagnegosyo sa kaniya dahil kilala siyang balasubas na hindi nagbabayad ng utang kahit kailan. "
Natural Translation
Don't do business with him because he's known as a deadbeat who never pays his debts.
Literal Translation
Don't you do-business with him because known he-that swindler that not pays of debt even when.
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