4 Unique Words You Might Encounter Here in Bataan

Bataan has a diverse dialect and is adaptive to changes in the colloquial language. But, here are some words that you’ll surely find interesting since our list of words will primarily be unique in Bataan and other nearby provinces.

Make sure to take your notes so that you’ll be familiar with these words and use them when you travel and visit the province of Bataan.

“Makasat”

The word ‘makasat’ is commonly interchangeable with makulit or magulo. You will hear Bataenos say this to children when they are running around or can’t stay still. It has been a common term for the people in the province to describe most of the children ‘makasat’ because of their nature–playful, active, and enthusiastic.

For example:

“Pumirmi ka ngang bata ka, ang kasat-kasat mo!”

“Bata pa lang ‘yan makasat na.”

“Ilang beses ka nang nakabasag ng baso, makasat ka kasi eh.”

“Iyeks/Yawts”

This word may not have a literal meaning or translation in English, but people from Bataan will surely know where this word comes from. ‘Iyeks/Yawts’ is a commonly used expression coined by people in Pto. Rivas, Balanga signify they are comfortable with the person they’re talking to. The pronunciation of the word comes with a distinct sound that is distinguishably famous.

For example:

“Yawts, gabing-gabi na aalis ka pa!”

“Ba’t ito binili mo? Ehhh iyeks!”

“Yawts! Hindi pa ako kumakain ay!”

“Istepen/Istepin”

It may look and sound like a name, but ‘istepen/istepin’ is actually thongs or slippers in English. You may also encounter ‘tsinelas’ as the alternative for this word. Bataenos have been using these two terms interchangeably on a day-to-day basis since a pair of slippers is the common footwear in the province.

For example:

“Iwan mo na lang sa labas ng pinto ‘yung istepen mo.”

“Suot mo ‘yung istepen ko para komportable ka.”

“Saan ba ang lakad mo at naka-istepen ka lang?”

“Taguling”

As weird as it sounds, the word ‘taguling’ used in Bataan is translated as ‘kanal’ in Tagalog and ‘canal’ in English. Oftentimes, this word is used to describe gutters and streams that have a foul smell, are filled with garbage, and/or blackened water. ‘Taguling’ is found beside streets near path walks.

For example:

“Tumingin ka sa nilalakaran mo at baka mahulog ka sa taguling.”

“H’wag tayo dumaan sa may taguling kasi mabaho.”

“Barado ‘yung taguling kaya siguro bumaha.”

Are you now familiar with these words? Try to use what you’ve learned from this list when you visit Bataan. Make sure to know the context of every word to avoid confusion when conversing and communicating with your guides.