sungaw
sungáw with stress marks
to look out a window; uncircumcised
Also means
As an adjective, sungaw refers to being uncircumcised, a bodily state that carries social meaning in Filipino culture.
Usage Note
Sungaw as a verb means to peer or lean out through an opening, which is its more literal and neutral sense. As an adjective it refers to being uncircumcised, reflecting the cultural importance of circumcision as a rite of passage for boys in the Philippines, where being uncircumcised is sometimes used as a mild taunt among children.
Examples
" Sumungaw siya sa bintana. "
Natural Translation
He/she looked out the window.
Literal Translation
Looked-out he/she at window.
" Gusto niyang sungaw sa bintana. "
Natural Translation
He/she wants to look out a window.
Literal Translation
Wants he/she look out a window in window.
" Tuwing umaga, sumusungaw ang lola sa bintana para tingnan kung sino ang dumadaan sa kalye. "
Natural Translation
Every morning, grandma leans out the window to see who is passing by on the street.
Literal Translation
Every morning, leans-out the grandma at window to see if who passing on street.
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