talangka
talángkâ with stress marks
shore crab
Usage Note
Talangka is a small saltwater crab (Varuna litterata or similar species) widely used in Filipino cuisine, particularly as the base for taba ng talangka — a rich, orange crab fat paste used as a condiment or sauce. The phrase 'crab mentality' (mentalidad ng talangka) is a well-known Filipino cultural metaphor for pulling others down to prevent them from succeeding.
Examples
" Masarap ang talangka. "
Natural Translation
The shore crab is delicious.
Literal Translation
Delicious the shore-crab.
" Masarap ang taba ng talangka sa kanin. "
Natural Translation
The fat of the shore crab is delicious on rice.
Literal Translation
Delicious the fat of shore-crab on rice.
" Huwag mong tularan ang mentalidad ng talangka na hinihila pababa ang iba sa halip na tumulong sa kanilang pag-unlad. "
Natural Translation
Do not adopt the crab mentality that pulls others down instead of helping them progress.
Literal Translation
Do-not you imitate the mentality of shore-crab that pulls down the others instead of help in their progress.
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