Baba
BA-ba
Englishmouth / lips
Word of the Day · Monday, September 7, 2026
BA-ba
Englishmouth / lips
"Baba" also appears in the common phrase "hilom ang baba" (a quiet mouth), praising someone who's discreet and doesn't gossip — a valued trait in tight communities where information travels fast.
"Kupo ang baba" (a leaky mouth) is the exact opposite idiom, warning against someone who can't keep a secret — reputation for discretion or gossip strongly shapes social trust in Cebuano communities.
Isara ang baba kung mokaon.
“Close your mouth while eating.”
Hilom ang iyang baba, masaligan gyud.
“His/Her mouth is quiet, truly trustworthy.”
Ayaw pagtuo, kupo raman ang iyang baba.
“Don't believe it, his/her mouth is leaky (can't keep secrets).”
Quick Quiz
What does the idiom "kupo ang baba" warn about someone?
"Baba" means "mouth / lips" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a noun in the Body category, pronounced as "BA-ba".
"Baba" is pronounced "BA-ba". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
Example: "Isara ang baba kung mokaon." — "Close your mouth while eating.". "Kupo ang baba" (a leaky mouth) is the exact opposite idiom, warning against someone who can't keep a secret — reputation for discretion or gossip strongly shapes social trust in Cebuano communities.
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