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tuta

tutâ with stress marks

puppy; lap dog or puppet (slang)

noun tu-TA Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Tuta literally means a puppy and is used affectionately. As a slang term, it is a sharp political insult meaning someone who blindly follows orders — a lackey or puppet, particularly of a foreign power or political boss. The slang use is common in Philippine political discourse and social media.

Examples

Beginner

" Cute ng tuta mo! "

Natural Translation

Your puppy is so cute!

Literal Translation

Cute of puppy your!

Intermediate

" May bago kaming tuta sa bahay. "

Natural Translation

We have a new puppy at home.

Literal Translation

Has new we puppy at home.

Advanced

" Tinawag siyang tuta ng mga kritiko dahil sumusunod lamang siya sa utos ng kanyang amo. "

Natural Translation

The critics called him a lackey because he merely follows his boss's orders.

Literal Translation

Was-called he lackey by the critics because follows only he the order of his boss.

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