puta (poo-tah)
What does puta (poo-tah) mean? puta (poo-tah) is a Filipino severe that translates to “fuck / bitch / whore” in English.
Literal Translation
whore (Spanish loan)
Meaning & Usage
"fuck / bitch / whore"
Derived directly from Spanish. A prostitute, but universally used as an exclamation.
Examples in the Wild
Puta, ang init! (Fuck, it's hot!)
When to Use It
Context
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
- Only among very close friends who share this register
- As a spontaneous exclamation
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Public spaces — will cause genuine offense
- Mixed company or unfamiliar social groups
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. It is the building block for the most iconic Filipino curses.
More in Filipino 🇵🇭
View all →puki (poo-kee)
“cunt / pussy”
Alternative spelling/pronunciation of puke.
inutil (ee-noo-til)
“useless idiot”
Someone who is completely incompetent or physically/mentally useless.
putang ina (poo-tang ee-nah)
“son of a bitch / fuck / motherfucker”
Literally 'Your mother is a whore', but functions entirely like the English word 'Fuck'.
bobo (boh-bo)
“dumbass / stupid”
Someone with very low intelligence.
unggoy (oong-goy)
“monkey / idiot”
Calling someone a monkey.
ulol (oo-lol)
“crazy / retarded / fool”
Originally meaning a rabid dog, now means a completely crazy or deranged person.
putang ina mo (poo-tang ee-nah mo)
“fuck you / motherfucker”
The fully targeted version of 'putang ina'.
bading (bah-ding)
“faggot / gay”
An effeminate gay man.