puta (poo-tah)

ˈpu.taexclamation, insult, sexual

What does puta (poo-tah) mean? puta (poo-tah) is a Filipino severe that translates to β€œfuck / bitch / whore” in English.

whore (Spanish loan)

01

"fuck / bitch / whore"

Derived directly from Spanish. A prostitute, but universally used as an exclamation.

Puta, ang init! (Fuck, it's hot!)

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 β€” 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 πŸ‡΅πŸ‡­

View all β†’