Culturephrase
Puyra buyag
POO-yah BOO-yahg
EnglishLest a curse befall (post-compliment)
Word of the Day · Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Puyra buyag — Bisaya Word of the Day for July 1, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Puyra buyag" is a superstitious counter-charm said right after complimenting a baby or child, protecting them from an old folk belief called "buyag" — that excessive praise attracts bad luck or illness.
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
Older Visayan relatives, especially grandmothers, will often say this reflexively after admiring how big or healthy a baby looks — skipping it can genuinely make some elders uneasy, even today.
Example Sentences
Complimenting a baby while warding off bad luck
Gwapa kaayo ning bataa, puyra buyag.
“This baby is so pretty, touch wood.”
Commenting on a child's growth
Puyra buyag, dako na kaayo siya karon.
“Touch wood, he/she has grown so big now.”
Complimenting property while adding the charm
Nindot kaayo ang inyong balay, puyra buyag.
“Your house is so nice, touch wood.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
What old folk belief does "puyra buyag" guard against?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Puyra buyag" mean in Bisaya?
"Puyra buyag" means "Lest a curse befall (post-compliment)" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a phrase in the Culture category, pronounced as "POO-yah BOO-yahg".
How do you pronounce "Puyra buyag" in Cebuano?
"Puyra buyag" is pronounced "POO-yah BOO-yahg". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Puyra buyag" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Gwapa kaayo ning bataa, puyra buyag." — "This baby is so pretty, touch wood.". Older Visayan relatives, especially grandmothers, will often say this reflexively after admiring how big or healthy a baby looks — skipping it can genuinely make some elders uneasy, even today.
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