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werpa

wérpa with stress marks

power; strength; impressive ability

noun WER-pa Colloquial origin Rare

Usage Note

Werpa is a syllabic reversal ('binaliktad') of the Tagalog word 'power' borrowed from English, part of the Filipino street language phenomenon called 'baliktad-salita' or 'swardspeak.' It means strength, impressive ability, or capability, and is used as an exclamation of admiration. Popularized in online culture and social media, it is especially common among Filipino youth.

Examples

Beginner

" Werpa ang banda mo! "

Natural Translation

Your band is awesome!

Literal Translation

Power the band your!

Intermediate

" May werpa ang kanta ng grupong ito. "

Natural Translation

This group's song has power.

Literal Translation

Has power the song of group this.

Advanced

" Pinuri ng mga kabataan ang bagong kanta sa internet, at marami ang nagsabing sobrang werpa ng letra nito. "

Natural Translation

The youth praised the new song on the internet, and many said its lyrics had so much power.

Literal Translation

Praised by the youth the new song on internet, and many the said extremely power of lyrics its.

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