Signification
Someone who uses flowery words to persuade.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Bolero' culture is central here. A 'bolero' is someone who constantly flatters others. While it can be annoying, it is also sometimes seen as a social skill. Traditional Tagalog poetry (Tula) is very ornate. This idiom reflects the cultural appreciation for linguistic beauty, but also the fear of its misuse. Voters often use this phrase to express cynicism. There is a common saying: 'Sa salita mabulaklak, sa gawa ay nasaan?' (Flowery in words, but where are the deeds?) Historically, men had to be 'mabulaklak' to win over a woman's parents during the 'panunuyo' (courtship) phase.
Context Matters
Never use this to praise someone you respect deeply, as it implies they are being fake.
The 'Bolero' Connection
If you call someone a 'bolero,' you are essentially saying they have a 'mabulaklak na dila.'
Signification
Someone who uses flowery words to persuade.
Context Matters
Never use this to praise someone you respect deeply, as it implies they are being fake.
The 'Bolero' Connection
If you call someone a 'bolero,' you are essentially saying they have a 'mabulaklak na dila.'
Smiling Suspicion
When a Filipino says this about someone, they are usually smiling but also signaling that they don't fully trust that person.
Teste-toi
Which situation best describes someone who is 'mabulaklak ang dila'?
A person is...
The idiom refers to using 'flowery' or sweet words to persuade or manipulate.
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
Huwag kang maniwala sa kanya, ________ ang dila niyan.
'Mabulaklak ang dila' is the standard idiom for a smooth talker.
Match the response to the person.
A politician makes 100 promises in 1 minute.
Politicians making many promises are often described as having a flowery tongue.
What would a suspicious friend say?
Boy: 'Ikaw ang pinakamagandang babae sa buong mundo!' Girl: 'Naku, ________.'
The girl is calling out the boy's excessive flattery.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Eloquent vs. Flowery
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA person is...
The idiom refers to using 'flowery' or sweet words to persuade or manipulate.
Huwag kang maniwala sa kanya, ________ ang dila niyan.
'Mabulaklak ang dila' is the standard idiom for a smooth talker.
A politician makes 100 promises in 1 minute.
Politicians making many promises are often described as having a flowery tongue.
Boy: 'Ikaw ang pinakamagandang babae sa buong mundo!' Girl: 'Naku, ________.'
The girl is calling out the boy's excessive flattery.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly yes, but it can be used playfully between friends to tease someone who is being unusually charming.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. Anyone can have a flowery tongue.
There isn't a direct single idiom, but 'diretso magsalita' (straight talker) or 'tapat' (sincere) are the conceptual opposites.
No, it's better to use 'mapanghikayat' (persuasive) in a professional setting.
Not necessarily, but it implies they are linguistically clever or 'street smart' in social situations.
It's understandable but sounds 'off.' Stick to 'dila' (tongue).
Yes, it is widely used across the Philippines, especially in Tagalog-speaking regions.
You can laugh and say 'Hindi ah!' (No way!) or 'Sincere ako!' (I'm sincere!).
Only metaphorically. It refers to the 'beauty' of the words being like flowers.
Yes, it's very common in texting (e.g., 'Mabulaklak dila mo ah!').
Expressions liées
Matamis ang dila
synonymSweet-tongued
Bolero
similarA flatterer
Mabulaklak ang landas
contrastA flowery path
Nasa dila ang buhay
builds onLife is in the tongue
Matalas ang dila
contrastSharp-tongued
