Meaning
Getting a salary without working hard
Cultural Background
The phrase is heavily used to criticize the perceived laziness of civil servants (PNS). It's a staple of political discourse. In Islamic-majority Indonesia, 'makan gaji buta' is often linked to the concept of 'Haram' income because the money isn't earned through honest labor. The evolution into 'Gabut' shows how work-related idioms can transform into general lifestyle terms for younger generations. In the fast-paced startup world of Jakarta, this phrase is used as a serious insult to one's professional integrity.
Be Careful with Accusations
Calling someone 'makan gaji buta' is a serious insult to their work ethic. Use it only in private or when you are very sure.
Use 'Gabut' for Yourself
If you want to say you have no work to do without sounding like a bad employee, use 'gabut' instead. It sounds more like 'I'm bored' than 'I'm stealing money'.
Meaning
Getting a salary without working hard
Be Careful with Accusations
Calling someone 'makan gaji buta' is a serious insult to their work ethic. Use it only in private or when you are very sure.
Use 'Gabut' for Yourself
If you want to say you have no work to do without sounding like a bad employee, use 'gabut' instead. It sounds more like 'I'm bored' than 'I'm stealing money'.
The 'PNS' Connection
Understand that this phrase is often a sensitive topic when discussing government jobs in Indonesia.
Test Yourself
Choose the best situation to use 'makan gaji buta'.
Which of these people is 'makan gaji buta'?
Makan gaji buta specifically refers to receiving a salary without doing the work.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
Dia tidak pernah bekerja, dia hanya makan gaji ______.
The complete idiom is 'makan gaji buta'.
Complete the dialogue.
Andi: 'Kenapa kamu kesal dengan Budi?' Sari: 'Karena dia ______ di kantor, padahal kita semua sibuk.'
Sari is annoyed because Budi is slacking off while others are busy.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'Makan gaji buta' with its definition:
The phrase means getting paid without performing duties.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich of these people is 'makan gaji buta'?
Makan gaji buta specifically refers to receiving a salary without doing the work.
Dia tidak pernah bekerja, dia hanya makan gaji ______.
The complete idiom is 'makan gaji buta'.
Andi: 'Kenapa kamu kesal dengan Budi?' Sari: 'Karena dia ______ di kantor, padahal kita semua sibuk.'
Sari is annoyed because Budi is slacking off while others are busy.
Match 'Makan gaji buta' with its definition:
The phrase means getting paid without performing duties.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's not a swear word, but it is a very negative and insulting idiom.
Yes, if they are being paid a retainer but aren't doing any of the agreed work.
There isn't a direct single idiom, but 'pekerja keras' (hard worker) or 'banting tulang' (working very hard) are opposites.
No, 'gabut' has evolved to mean general boredom, even for students or people at home.
Absolutely not. It is too informal and aggressive for professional correspondence.
Related Phrases
Makan tulang
similarTo let others do the hard work.
Makan hati
contrastTo suffer emotionally because of someone.
Gabut
specialized formBored / having nothing to do.
Buta huruf
builds onIlliterate.
