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tanga

tangâ with stress marks

stupid; to gape or stare

noun verb adjective tan-GÂ Native origin Common

Usage Note

Tanga is one of the most common Tagalog insults, meaning stupid, foolish, or dimwitted. It is used freely in casual speech among friends as a teasing term, but can be highly offensive in formal or unfamiliar contexts. It also describes the act of staring blankly or vacantly. Use with caution.

Examples

Beginner

" Huwag kang tanga. "

Natural Translation

Don't be stupid.

Literal Translation

Don't you stupid.

Intermediate

" Huwag kang maging tanga sa pag-ibig. "

Natural Translation

Do not be stupid in love.

Literal Translation

Don't you be stupid in love.

Advanced

" Akala niya ay tanga ang lahat, kaya hindi siya nakinig sa payo at siya rin ang nalugi sa huli. "

Natural Translation

He thought everyone was stupid, so he didn't listen to advice, and in the end he was the one who lost out.

Literal Translation

Thought he is stupid the everyone, so not he listened to-the advice and he also the lost in-the end.

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