Significado
Describes a child who gets everything they want.
Contexto cultural
The 'bunso' (youngest) is culturally expected to have a 'mahabang buntot' as they are often the most protected and indulged by older siblings and parents. Lolos and Lolas are notorious for 'pagpapahaba ng buntot' (spoiling) their grandchildren, often undermining the parents' discipline. There is a stereotype that children from wealthy families ('anak-mayaman') automatically have a 'mahabang buntot' due to having nannies and material abundance. The phrase is often used in debates about traditional vs. modern parenting, where 'mahaba ang buntot' is seen as a result of not using physical discipline (palo).
Use with Caution
Calling someone's child 'mahaba ang buntot' to their face is a very strong critique of their parenting. Use it behind their back or with very close friends.
The 'Ni' vs 'Ng' Rule
Always use 'ni' before a person's name: 'Mahaba ang buntot ni Mark.' Use 'ng' for titles: 'Mahaba ang buntot ng bunso.'
Significado
Describes a child who gets everything they want.
Use with Caution
Calling someone's child 'mahaba ang buntot' to their face is a very strong critique of their parenting. Use it behind their back or with very close friends.
The 'Ni' vs 'Ng' Rule
Always use 'ni' before a person's name: 'Mahaba ang buntot ni Mark.' Use 'ng' for titles: 'Mahaba ang buntot ng bunso.'
Not for Animals
If you say this to a dog owner, they might think you are literally talking about the dog's tail length. Context is king!
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Mahaba ang ______ ni Jojo dahil paborito siya ni Lola.
'Mahaba ang buntot' is the correct idiom for being spoiled.
Which situation best describes 'mahaba ang buntot'?
A child is...
The idiom refers to being spoiled and getting one's way.
Complete the dialogue.
Tita: 'Bakit ang gulo ng anak mo?' Nanay: 'Pasensya na, _________.'
The mother is explaining that the child is spoiled/undisciplined.
Match the phrase to the person it most likely describes.
Who has a 'mahabang buntot'?
The phrase describes someone who is pampered and lacks boundaries.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosMahaba ang ______ ni Jojo dahil paborito siya ni Lola.
'Mahaba ang buntot' is the correct idiom for being spoiled.
A child is...
The idiom refers to being spoiled and getting one's way.
Tita: 'Bakit ang gulo ng anak mo?' Nanay: 'Pasensya na, _________.'
The mother is explaining that the child is spoiled/undisciplined.
Who has a 'mahabang buntot'?
The phrase describes someone who is pampered and lacks boundaries.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, but it sounds sarcastic. It implies the adult is acting like a spoiled child.
No, it's not a swear word, but it is a negative description of someone's character.
There isn't a direct 'short tail' idiom, but 'disiplinado' (disciplined) or 'laking-hirap' (raised in hardship) are conceptual opposites.
No, it's very informal. Use 'lumaking spoiled' or 'walang disiplina' in formal writing.
It's a metaphor for something that trails behind and is allowed to grow unchecked by the 'head' (the parent).
No, that is not a standard idiom and would be taken literally.
Yes, similar concepts exist in Cebuano and Ilocano, though the exact 'tail' metaphor is most prominent in Tagalog.
Only in secret! It implies the boss is entitled and expects everyone to follow their whims.
You can say 'Pinapahaba niya ang buntot ng bata.'
Not at all. It is still very much in use today in modern Filipino households.
Frases relacionadas
Laking-layaw
synonymRaised in luxury/spoiled.
Malaki ang ulo
similarArrogant or 'big-headed'.
Sunod ang gusto
similarAlways gets what they want.
Mababa ang loob
contrastHumble.
