hagkis
hágkis with stress marks
lash; criticism; verbal attack
Usage Note
Hagkis primarily describes a sharp, whip-like lash — physical or verbal — and as a metaphor captures stinging, biting criticism or a cutting verbal assault. Literary in register, writers use it to describe the force of satirical writing or a politician's scathing speech; it is less common in everyday conversation.
Examples
" Masakit ang hagkis ng salita niya. "
Natural Translation
The lash of his words hurts.
Literal Translation
Painful the lash of word his.
" Grabe ang hagkis ng hangin. "
Natural Translation
The lash of the wind is severe.
Literal Translation
Severe the lash of wind.
" Ramdam sa kaniyang sanaysay ang matalas na hagkis laban sa mga tiwaling opisyal ng pamahalaan. "
Natural Translation
In his essay you can feel the sharp lash against the corrupt officials of the government.
Literal Translation
Felt in his essay the sharp lash against (plural) corrupt official of-the government.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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