tsika
tsíka with stress marks
gossip; casual talk
Usage Note
Tsika is informal slang for chitchat, gossip, or casual banter. It is also used as a verb: 'mag-tsika' (to chat or gossip). Filipinos are known for being highly social, and tsika is a valued part of community bonding — from barangay gatherings to coworker break times. It carries a light, affectionate tone.
Examples
" Marami kaming tsika kanina. "
Natural Translation
We had a lot of chitchat earlier.
Literal Translation
Many we gossip earlier.
" May bagong tsika sa opisina. "
Natural Translation
There is new gossip in the office.
Literal Translation
Has new gossip in office.
" Tuwing tanghalian, nagkukuwentuhan kaming mga kaopisina habang nagpapalitan ng tsika tungkol sa mga nangyari sa kapitbahayan. "
Natural Translation
Every lunch, my coworkers and I chat while swapping gossip about what happened in the neighborhood.
Literal Translation
Every lunch, story-telling we the coworkers while exchanging of gossip about to the happened in neighborhood.
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