Bedeutung
Referring to someone who is very afraid.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is deeply rooted in the agricultural and rural life of the Tagalog people, where dogs were ubiquitous and their behavior was a common source of metaphors. The use of the word 'bahag' (loincloth) links the idiom to the indigenous clothing of the Philippines, showing how ancient cultural items remain in the language through idioms. In the 'jejemon' or 'kanto' culture of Manila, the phrase is often shortened or modified into slang like 'tiklop' but the original idiom remains the most understood version across generations. In PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) commentary or local 'barangay' games, this phrase is used to describe players who 'choke' or lose confidence during the 'clutch' moments of a game.
Use it for teasing
It's most effective when teasing friends about small fears, like being afraid of a movie or a bug.
Don't use with superiors
Calling your boss 'bahag ang buntot' is a quick way to get fired. It's considered disrespectful.
Bedeutung
Referring to someone who is very afraid.
Use it for teasing
It's most effective when teasing friends about small fears, like being afraid of a movie or a bug.
Don't use with superiors
Calling your boss 'bahag ang buntot' is a quick way to get fired. It's considered disrespectful.
The 'Um' trick
Use 'Bumahag' to describe the moment someone *became* scared. It makes you sound like a native speaker.
Animal Metaphors
Filipinos love animal metaphors. If you like this, look up 'buwaya' (crocodile) for corrupt people!
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Bahag ang _______ ni Juan nang makita ang multo.
The idiom is 'bahag ang buntot,' referring to a tail.
What does 'Bahag ang buntot' mean?
Si Maria ay bahag ang buntot.
The idiom figuratively means someone is cowardly or afraid.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
A: Lalaban ka ba sa kanya? B: Hindi, ___________ ko dahil mas malakas siya.
In this context, the speaker is describing their current state of fear.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Which situation best fits 'Bahag ang buntot'?
Running away from something non-threatening out of fear is the definition of being 'bahag ang buntot'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Courage vs. Cowardice
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenBahag ang _______ ni Juan nang makita ang multo.
The idiom is 'bahag ang buntot,' referring to a tail.
Si Maria ay bahag ang buntot.
The idiom figuratively means someone is cowardly or afraid.
A: Lalaban ka ba sa kanya? B: Hindi, ___________ ko dahil mas malakas siya.
In this context, the speaker is describing their current state of fear.
Which situation best fits 'Bahag ang buntot'?
Running away from something non-threatening out of fear is the definition of being 'bahag ang buntot'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenNo, it's not a swear word, but it is an insult. It's like calling someone a 'chicken' in English.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. You can use it for anyone.
A bahag is a traditional Filipino loincloth. In this idiom, it describes the way a tail is tucked between the legs.
Yes! You can use it literally to describe a dog's behavior, but people will usually assume you're being idiomatic.
No, it's very informal. Use 'duwag' or 'natatakot' in formal writing.
You say 'Bahag ang buntot ko.'
Not really, as the concept itself is critical. You could say 'Medyo takot siya' (He's a bit afraid) to be softer.
Yes, the meaning is identical to the English idiom.
Definitely not. It makes you sound unprofessional and weak.
Use 'Bumahag ang buntot' for the past or completed action.
Yes, many Filipino rock and rap songs use it to describe social issues or personal struggles.
Yes, it's understood and used all over the Philippines.
You can, but it sounds like you're reading from a 19th-century book. Use 'ko' instead.
The opposite would be 'Matapang' (Brave) or 'May paninindigan' (Has conviction).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mababaw ang luha
similarCries easily
Matapang ang apog
contrastShameless or overly bold
Tiklop-tuhod
similarOn bended knees
Daga sa dibdib
similarA mouse in the chest (nervousness)
