Usage Note
Puta is borrowed from Spanish and is considered a strong profanity in Filipino, used both as a derogatory term and as a common expletive expressing surprise or frustration. As a standalone exclamation it has largely lost its literal meaning in casual usage among younger speakers, functioning similarly to English 'damn' or 'shit'. Context determines whether it is literal or used as an expletive.
Examples
" Bawal magsabi ng puta. "
Natural Translation
It is not allowed to say the profanity.
Literal Translation
Forbidden to-say of profanity.
" Narinig nila ang salitang puta sa kalsada. "
Natural Translation
They heard the profanity on the street.
Literal Translation
Heard they the word-that profanity on street.
" Hindi dapat gamitin ang salitang puta sa harap ng mga bata dahil masakit itong pakinggan. "
Natural Translation
The profanity should not be used in front of children because it is hurtful to hear.
Literal Translation
Not should be-used the word-that profanity in front of children because painful this to-listen-to.
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