A Quick Tutorial To Learning “Gandara Park” & More Beki Words

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Beki. Beki, who? Definitely not Becky with the good hair, but the one and only Beki language! This colorful and evolving gay lingo spoken in the Philippines, also known as "Swardspeak," was coined in the 1970s. Beki uses words from popular culture, brand names, and various dialects—borrowing from English, Spanish, and even Japanese to give them playful new meanings.

The origins of this witty lingo are a reflection of the diversity of Filipino culture. Beki is a special coded language that allows its speakers to express their unique experiences. In the spirit of celebrating diversity, here are some essential terms to get you started:

• Besh / Bes: A close friend
• Mars: Term of endearment for a close female friend
• Indiana Jones: To not show up
• Marites: Someone who loves to gossip
• Charot / Charing: Just kidding
• Chika: Gossip
• Bongga: Extravagant
• Anaconda: Traitor
• Mudra / Pudra: Mom / Dad
• Baboosh: Bye
• Julanis Morisette: Rain
• Jowa: Significant other
• Jinit Jackson: Hot weather
• Tommy Lee Jones: Hungry
• Gandara Park: Beautiful
• Ces Drilon: To be stressed
• Kalurkey: Crazy
• Shelemet: Thank you
• Antokyo Japan: Sleepy