10 Indonesian Words That Sound Funny to Foreigners
From 'kutu' to 'goblok' – Indonesian words that'll make you giggle (or blush)
Alex C-J•
Indonesian is full of words that sound downright silly to English speakers. Some are charmingly odd, others accidentally rude, and a few will make you double-check you heard correctly. Here are 10 standouts, complete with explanations to avoid awkward misunderstandings.
1. Kutu (KO-too)
Kutu
[ˈku.tu]
“Louse”
Technically means 'louse' or 'flea', but colloquially refers to someone who's stingy or a freeloader. Imagine calling a tight-fisted friend a 'louse' – that's the vibe.
2. Goblok (GOH-blok)
Goblok
/ˈɡobloʔ/
“Idiot”
A blunt insult meaning 'idiot'. The abrupt 'blok' ending makes it sound like a cartoon sound effect for someone getting hit on the head.
Warning: While funny-sounding, 'goblok' is genuinely offensive. Use only with close friends who understand you're joking – or when shouting at reckless drivers.
3. Cebok (CHEH-bok)
Cebok
/t͡ʃəˈboʔ/
“To wash one's nether regions”
The act of cleaning oneself after using the toilet, typically with water. The word's abruptness contrasts hilariously with the delicate act it describes.
4. Kocak (KOH-chak)
Kocak
/ˈkot͡ʃaʔ/
“Hilarious”
Slang for 'hilarious', but sounds like someone choking on a biscuit. Ironically perfect for describing things that make you laugh uncontrollably.
5. Jomblo (JOM-blo)
Jomblo
[ˈd͡ʒɔmlo]
“Single (romantically)”
Means 'single' in the romantic sense. The word's plodding rhythm captures the melancholy of eating instant noodles alone on a Friday night.
Literally 'bat', but used to call someone a pest or nuisance. Picture shaking your fist at a bat tangled in your laundry – that's the energy.
7. Nyamuk (NYAH-mook)
Nyamuk
/ˈɲamuk/
“Mosquito”
The word for 'mosquito' sounds like the noise you'd make when imitating a tiny, annoying creature buzzing in your ear.
8. Cingkrang (CHING-krang)
Cingkrang
/t͡ʃiŋˈkraŋ/
“Pulled up (trousers)”
Refers to trousers hoisted comically high, usually above the ankles. The word itself sounds like the noise of fabric being yanked upward.
9. Gepeng (GEH-peng)
Gepeng
/ˈɡepeŋ/
“Flat/Coin”
Means 'flat' or 'coin', but sounds like a cartoon anvil landing on someone. Also slang for being broke – appropriate given the metallic 'peng' at the end.
10. Bapuk (BAH-pook)
Bapuk
/ˈbapuk/
“Damaged/Shoddy”
Describes something broken or poorly made. The word's hollow 'puk' mimics the sound of a malfunctioning machine giving up.
Indonesian's playful phonetics turn even mundane words into accidental comedy. Just remember: context matters. What sounds like a children's nonsense word might actually be calling someone's mother a goat (not that we included that one here).
