balimbing
balímbing with stress marks
star fruit; traitor (slang)
Also means
In political slang, balimbing refers to someone who changes allegiances opportunistically — derived from the star fruit's many-sided shape.
Usage Note
Balimbing is the star fruit literally, but in Philippine political discourse it is a pointed insult for someone who switches parties or alliances for personal gain. The metaphor comes from the fruit's multiple sides, implying someone who faces in many directions at once — and it is especially sharp during election season.
Examples
" Mahilig akong kumain ng balimbing. "
Natural Translation
I love eating star fruit.
Literal Translation
Fond I-to eat of star-fruit.
" Nasaan ang puno ng balimbing? "
Natural Translation
Where is the star fruit tree?
Literal Translation
Where the tree of star-fruit?
" Tinawag siyang balimbing ng mga botante dahil lumipat siya ng partido isang linggo bago ang halalan. "
Natural Translation
The voters called him a turncoat because he switched parties a week before the election.
Literal Translation
Called him turncoat by-the voters because switched he of party one week before the election.
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