Kanang makaingon sad ka ba nga “mura jud kag animal!”
We all have a little wild side in us, and our language reflects that! In Bisaya, there are some playful terms inspired by animals that capture human behaviors perfectly, such as the following:
Iring-Iring
This term describes the flirty dance between two people who are interested in each other but haven’t quite made things official. It’s like the playful way cats flirt before deciding to be friends or more.
Itoy-Itoy
Think of a puppy trying to win your heart. Itoy-itoy is when someone puts themselves in a lower position to seek affection or approval from someone else. It’s all about that sweet, submissive charm!
Minanok
Ever notice how babies and chickens sometimes doze off with their eyes half-closed? That’s what minanok is all about. It’s that state of sleep where you’re not quite out, still keeping a little watch on the world.
Kigwa
If you’ve ever seen a worm wriggling around, you’ll get the picture with what the term kigwa means. It describes someone who can’t sit still, always squirming and moving about, just like our squirmy little friends in the dirt.
Kabay-an
This term captures the essence of riding. Whether it’s on a horse or something else, kabay-an refers to the act of riding on something, enjoying the experience, just like a cowboy on a trusty horse.
These Bisaya terms not only add color to our conversations but also remind us of the playful ways we express ourselves.
