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siga

sigâ with stress marks

a bully; tough guy; a bonfire

adjective noun verb si-GA Native origin Less Common

Also means

Siga also refers to a bonfire or a large open fire lit for warmth or celebration when the stress is on the first syllable.

Usage Note

Siga in street culture and youth slang describes someone who acts tough, picks fights, and intimidates others — a bully or small-time gangster. This sense is distinct from the bonfire meaning, and both senses remain alive in contemporary Tagalog.

Examples

Beginner

" Siga ang lalaking iyon. "

Natural Translation

That man is a tough guy.

Literal Translation

Tough-guy the man that.

Intermediate

" Kilala siyang siga sa kanilang lugar. "

Natural Translation

He/she is known as a tough guy in their area.

Literal Translation

Known he/she tough guy in their area.

Advanced

" Akala ng bagong lipat na siga na siya ang hari ng kanto, ngunit hindi pala siya kilala ng mga tunay na naninirahan doon. "

Natural Translation

The newly arrived tough guy thought he was the king of the street corner, but it turned out the real residents there did not know him.

Literal Translation

Thought of-the newly moved tough-guy that he the king of-the corner, but not he known as-it-turns-out by-the real residents there.

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