Puyra buyag - Lest a curse befall (post-compliment)
PhraseCultural Expressions
English Meaning
Lest a curse befall (post-compliment)
Pronunciation
POO-yah BOO-yahg
Capital letters indicate stressed syllables
Example Sentences
1. “Tambok kaayo imong bata, no? Puyra buyag.”
“Your baby is so chubby, isn't she? May no curse touch her.”
Related Words
Cultural Note
Said immediately after complimenting a child or anything precious — wards off the buyag, a folk illness believed to befall things admired too directly. Even non-superstitious Cebuanos say it reflexively.
Quick Reference
Bisaya
Puyra buyag
English
Lest a curse befall (post-compliment)
Pronunciation
POO-yah BOO-yahg
Part of Speech
Phrase