CEBU CITY, Philippines — If you have ever found yourself confused after hearing someone say “kekeru,” “mother,” or “twink,” chances are you have encountered queer slang, a vibrant and ever-evolving language that has become increasingly woven into everyday Filipino conversations.
From beauty salons and drag performances to TikTok videos and group chats, queer expressions have transcended LGBTQ spaces and entered mainstream culture. But beyond humor and catchy phrases, members of the community say these words carry stories of identity, creativity, and belonging.
“Queer slang, often called ‘elab elab,’ is constantly evolving,” said Lyle Go and Shaneee, the creators behind the Cebuano-based platform Unsa’y Cheka Sa Parlor (UCSP).
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“What makes it unique is how quickly it adapts to trends, pop culture, celebrities, and social media,” they told Cebu Daily News Digital.
Here are some queer terms you should know:
Kekeru
A playful term used to refer to a lalaki or a man.
Ebaybotchok
A slang word for babae or woman.
Yads Department
A humorous expression used for bayot or gay men.
UV Maine
A queer term referring to tomboy or lesbians.
Bayu Chemistry
The community’s creative take on “uyab” or partner.
Apmar
Means “rampa” or strut, often used in glamorous contexts.
Shudi Pa Olark
Literally means “ayaw pa klaro,” telling someone don’t be too obvious.
Nelatch
A term for talent or skill.
According to UCSP, queer language has become much more than a form of coded communication.
“What’s interesting is that queer slang has evolved beyond the LGBTQ+ community and has become part of everyday Filipino conversations, social media culture, entertainment, and even marketing,” they said.
Terms used beyond the Philippines
Meanwhile, a glossary published by the editorial platform of LGBTQ dating app, highlights several terms commonly encountered in queer communities worldwide.
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Twink
One of the most recognizable LGBTQ terms, a twink refers to a youthful and slim gay man.
Twunk
A blend of “twink” and “hunk,” describing someone who has a more muscular build.
Bear
Refers to hairy, burly, or muscular men, often with a rugged appearance.
Cub
A younger or smaller member of the bear community.
Otter
A slim and athletic gay man with some body hair.
Wolf
A lean and masculine gay man, often perceived as confident and assertive.
Mother
An affectionate term for someone who acts as a mentor or nurturing figure in LGBTQ spaces. It is also commonly used to praise drag queens and icons.
Queen
Originally a derogatory label, “queen” has since been reclaimed and embraced by many flamboyant and feminine gay men.
Read
Popularized by drag culture, “reading” means delivering witty and humorous insults or observations.
Baby Gay
A term used for someone newly out and still navigating LGBTQ culture.
Drag
Short for “dressed as a girl,” the term now refers to the art of performing exaggerated gender expression, popularized by drag queens and kings.
For Go and Shaneee, language itself is one of the community’s most enduring contributions.
“Queer slang is more than just humor or coded communication—it reflects creativity, resilience, community, and identity,” they said.
“It has become a cultural contribution that now influences mainstream Filipino language.”
As Pride Month celebrations continue, these expressions serve as reminders that language evolves alongside culture — and that sometimes, understanding a simple “cheka” can open a window into a rich and colorful community.
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