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tukmol

túkmol with stress marks

turtledove; stupid person (slang)

noun TUK-mol Native origin Rare

Also means

Used colloquially as a mild insult meaning a dull-witted or clueless person.

Usage Note

Tukmol is literally a turtledove, a small, gentle bird common in the Philippine countryside. In colloquial slang it is used to call someone slow-witted or oblivious — similar to calling someone a birdbrain in English — though the insult is mild and often used playfully among friends.

Examples

Beginner

" May tukmol sa puno. "

Natural Translation

There is a turtledove in the tree.

Literal Translation

There-is turtledove in-the tree.

Intermediate

" Tinawag siyang tukmol ng kanyang kaaway. "

Natural Translation

His/Her enemy called him/her a stupid person.

Literal Translation

Called him/her stupid person of his/her enemy.

Advanced

" Tinawag siyang tukmol ng mga kaibigan niya dahil palagi siyang nakikinig na parang hindi naririnig ang sinasabi. "

Natural Translation

His friends called him a birdbrain because he always listens as if he doesn't hear what's being said.

Literal Translation

Called him birdbrain of the friends his because always he listening as-if not hearing the being-said.

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