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Tagalog Loanwords in English

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From boondocks to yo-yo, discover the Filipino Tagalog words that have found a home in English!

15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓

The word 'boondocks' comes from the Tagalog 'bundok.' What does 'bundok' mean?

About Tagalog Loanwords in English

From boondocks to yo-yo, discover the Filipino Tagalog words that have found a home in English! Tagalog Loanwords in English packs 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.

A few sample questions

  1. 1. The word 'boondocks' comes from the Tagalog 'bundok.' What does 'bundok' mean?

    Answer: Mountain

  2. 2. Which popular toy's name likely comes from the Tagalog word 'yoyo'?

    Answer: Yo-yo

  3. 3. The word 'cogon' (a type of tropical grass) comes from Tagalog. What is cogon grass known for?

    Answer: Being one of the world's most invasive weeds

  4. 4. Which English slang word meaning 'to eat' or 'food' may have roots in the Tagalog 'kain' (to eat)?

    Answer: Chow

  5. 5. The Tagalog word 'barangay' entered English to describe what?

    Answer: The smallest administrative division in the Philippines

Frequently asked questions

Is Tagalog Loanwords in English free to play?

Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Tagalog Loanwords in English — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.

How long does Tagalog Loanwords in English take?

Most players finish Tagalog Loanwords in English in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.

What's a good follow-up after Tagalog Loanwords in English?

If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.

Can I print Tagalog Loanwords in English?

Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.

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