Today, old Cebuano words are often heard in the news, classic radio shows, and conversations with a Bisaya lolo/lola.
Source: Guian Bolisay from NYC, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Changes made: converted to WEBP
Nahisama ako sa bulak nga larag.
(I am comparable to a withering flower.)
There’s something magical about conversing with a Cebuano elder. The stories they tell are not just tales of personal experiences; they’re living archives of local culture and history.
As you listen to their stories, you’ll likely notice a distinctive vocabulary. They often use archaic Cebuano words and phrases that might sound unfamiliar, even to native speakers of the younger generation.
It’s like discovering hidden linguistic treasures, a deviation from modern Cebuano slang the world is accustomed to.
Don’t be intimidated by these older terms. While learning the nuances of a dialect can seem challenging, it’s also rewarding. Think of it as an exciting linguistic adventure that deepens your connection to Cebuano heritage.
So, whether you’re a local looking to deepen your linguistic roots or a foreigner eager to truly immerse yourself in Cebuano culture, learning these archaic words will help you appreciate the richness of the Cebuano language.
Let’s see if you can recognize some of these words.
“LARAG”
The Cebuano word larag is a noun that refers to the act of ending something.
It can also be used as a verb. In the context of change, it can mean withering, losing freshness, or something that’s fading.
Example sentences:
- Nalarag na ang mga bulak.
(The flowers have withered.)
- Ayaw palaraga ang paglaum.
(Don’t let hope fade.)
“TAGUBTOB”
In literal English translation, tagubtob means resonant or reverberating.
It can be used as an adjective referring to the reverberant booms of cannons or the resonating sound of drums.
Example sentences:
- Makabungog ang tagubtob sa stereo.
(The reverberating stereophonic sound is deafening.)
- Dili makulban ang tagubtob sa akoang kasing-kasing.
(Nothing can conceal the resonating sound of my heartbeat.)
While it can be used in the physical context, the word can also mean mindfulness or awareness in the abstract sense.
- Mitagubtob sa akoang alimpatakan ang ilahang pagpanaway.
(I became mindful of their criticisms.)
“WARAK”
(Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels)
When referring to an event, the word warak can mean a vigorous blow or a serious collision.
Example sentence:
- Nawarak ang sakyanan sa dayo’ng pagbangga.
(The car was smashed during the collision.)
You can also use the word when narrating a particular moment in a sports event, say, to describe a smacking action.
Example sentence:
- Giwarak sa iyahang palad ang bola.
(She/he smacked the ball with her/his palm.)
In the modern mother-tongue Cebuano, the synonym for warak is hapak, which can also mean wallop.
“HIDLAW”
(Photo by Dương Nhân on Pexels)
Hidlaw refers to a desire for something or someone who is not present. It’s translated in English as yearn (yearning).
Example sentences:
- Gihidlaw ako kanimo.
(I’m yearning for you.)
- Mibati ko og kahidlaw sa imohang gakus.
(I felt the longing for your embrace.)
“LAWAK-SARINGAN”
Lawak-saringan is the Cebuano term for a classroom or lecture room. This word is a compound noun, the root word being saringan.
The base word saringan and its prefix saring both translate to the English word ‘class’ (noun).
Example sentences:
- Napuno ang lawak-saringan sa mga magtutungha.
(The students filled the entire classroom.)
- Padayon ang pagpanglimpyo sa mga magtutudlo sa mga lawak-saringan.
(The teachers continue to clean the classrooms.)
- Adunay duha ka batan-on niini nga saringan.
(There are two young individuals in this class.)
***
Language never dies, it simply evolves. Because Cebuanos are inherently linguistically creative, they never fail to come up with new words and phrases. Over time, some words naturally fall out of use, replaced by newer variations.
This vocabulary of deep Cebuano words was once in its prime during the time of our ancestors and grandparents. Note that when the elderly (and some younger Cebuanos) use these antique words, they’re not trying to impress anyone. They’re genuinely using the words that feel most natural and familiar to them.
We hope that this short list will somehow be able to guide you in your future conversations with the Cebuano elderly.
Much of the Cebuano linguistic treasure trove is yet to be opened. If you’re keen to learn more about these fascinating old words, the best thing you can do is simply chat with your Bisaya lolo (grandfather) or lola (grandmother).
Or, you can wait for part two of our Cebuano language lessons.
