Walang charot-charot 'to siz: This dictionary is your guide to the inventive language of Pinoy gay communities
"Nakakalurkey itech, neuro akesh, ay bongga pak na pak!"
Did you read the sentence above slowly, tongue-twisted, and wondered what that could mean?
We consulted different dictionaries, verified facts and definitions, and interviews with the right group of people—from linguistics to scholars to students, to the old and new version of Bekis."
Through this, they decided on what to include or not in the over 2,000-word list, not to mention their judgment as certified "beks by heart."
Related Article
Marcos creates special committee focusing on LGBTQIA+ affairs
'Gay Lingo is beautiful'
Believing that gay lingo is beautiful, funny, daring, expressive, and mostly makes everyone happy, Eugenio and their team were amazed at how the public received the book, including their straight allies.
"Somehow, this book represents and recognizes the community and the language that has evolved from it," Eugenio shared with L!fe.
The book also features scholarly talks on the study of slang and homosexual language, a comprehensive lexicon, vibrant pictures, and the origin of each phrase, as well as usage notes and sample sentences.
In addition to commonly-used slang, the dictionary also includes definitions of counter language—a dialectical form created in opposition to more formal or "official" languages—providing information about LGBT+ customs and culture, collectively contributed by author and Palanca awardee Christopher Dela Cruz, veteran columnist of Philippine Online Chronicles Lady S, language expert Ojo Gonzales, and drag queen Randiva Datinguinoo.
Although the book has a disclaimer for its use of explicit and sexual language that may offend some readers, Eugenio said, "It's 2024, and representation matters, and it gladdens our hearts to see the overwhelming excitement around this title."
Philippine Slang and Gay Dictionary is available for P610 on the Vibal online shop.
Behind the fun is a community saying: “We’re here, we’re proud, and we belong.”
Happy Pride! Social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube are great resources for discovering the latest terms and trends.
Talkpal, Inc., 2810 N Church St, Wilmington, Delaware 19802, US
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Trustpilot
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Every June, the world lights up with color, music, and stories that deserve to be seen and heard.
Linguistic Creativity and Wordplay
At the heart of Filipino gay lingo is a playful manipulation of language. For Filipino language learners, engaging with gay lingo offers a unique window into the living, breathing nature of language in the Philippines. Additionally, language learning blogs like Talkpal regularly feature articles and resources on current Filipino slang, making it easier for learners to keep up with changes.
Conclusion
Filipino gay lingo evolves so quickly because it is rooted in creativity, community, and cultural responsiveness.
Language connects us. She has constantly joined beauty pageants in different cities and fiestas across the Philippines ever since she was 15. It provides insights into how language reflects and shapes culture, identity, and social change.
Social Function and In-Group Identity
One of the main reasons for the quick evolution of Filipino gay lingo is its function as a tool for solidarity and identity within the LGBTQ+ community. For instance, the term “thundercats” (from “thunder” for old age) was once popular for describing older individuals, but has since been succeeded by other creative alternatives.
Memes, tweets, and viral content can introduce new terms to thousands of people in an instant. On Talkpal – AI language learning blog, we explore how and why Filipino gay lingo evolves so rapidly, and what language learners can gain from studying it.
The most efficient way to learn a language
Try Talkpal for freeWhat is Filipino Gay Lingo?
Filipino gay lingo is a dynamic, playful, and often humorous language variety created and used primarily by the Filipino LGBTQ+ community.
Swardspeak started in the 70s as a secret code among queer Filipinos navigating a conservative society. As new groups emerge and cultural contexts change, so does the vocabulary, ensuring it remains relevant and exclusive.
2. This code mainly consists of lexical items but includes sound changes, as if you are deciphering a Da Vinci Code.
They need to discover the beauty and the relevance of every word created by the extraordinary gay people," Eugenio told L!fe.
Related Article
Panata 2024: LGBTQIA+ community expresses devotion, faith to Black Nazarene through pageantry
Understanding the syntax and semiotics of 'Beki language'
LGBTQ+ language in the Philippines remains relatively distinct, with its rapidly shifting linguistic code called "Swardspeak," influenced by Spanish and English loan words.
The lingo’s adaptability to current trends keeps it fresh and constantly evolving.
3. Turns out, the sentence means: "I'm shocked, I'm blown away, and it's extravagant and great."
A Google search online might not provide a proper translation of such phrases but a new dictionary may just define any Pinoy beki slang you hear and see.
In case you missed it, Vibal Foundation launched the Philippine Slang and Gay Dictionary on Jan.
12 to explore the "endlessly inventive counter language of Filipino gay and street communities," offering a comprehensive introduction to the vibrant, influential, and historically significant terms still in use today.
Speaking to PhilSTAR L!fe, Sally Eugenio a.k.a. It’s about showing up — as a friend, a family member, a co-worker, or simply as a human being who believes everyone deserves love, freedom, and dignity.