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balbal

bálbal with stress marks

colloquial or slang language

noun BAL-bal Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Balbal refers to informal, colloquial, or slang language — speech that deviates from standard Filipino. It is used in linguistic and educational discussions, often in the context of Philippine youth language, street speech, and the creative mixing of Tagalog with English and other languages.

Examples

Beginner

" Marami siyang alam na balbal. "

Natural Translation

He/She knows a lot of slang.

Literal Translation

Many he/she knows that slang.

Intermediate

" Gumagamit ng balbal ang mga kabataan kapag nag-uusap sa kalye. "

Natural Translation

Young people use slang when talking on the street.

Literal Translation

Using of slang the youth when talking on-the street.

Advanced

" Minsan ay mahirap intindihin ang balbal ng mga kabataan ngayon dahil mabilis itong nagbabago at puno ng halong Ingles. "

Natural Translation

It's sometimes hard to understand the slang of young people today because it changes quickly and is full of mixed English.

Literal Translation

Sometimes is hard to-understand the slang of-the plural youth now because fast this changes and full of mixed English.

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