Slang

1. Gue

   I / me (casual)

   Usage

   A Betawi-derived pronoun now used by young people nationwide. Only with friends your own age — always switch to "saya" with elders, staff or officials

2. Lo

   You (casual)

   Usage

   The partner of "gue", also spelled "lu". Rude to elders or strangers — safest to use it only after the other person has used it with you

3. Nggak

   No / not (casual)

   Usage

   The spoken form of "tidak", also written "gak" or "ngga". Fine with anyone in speech, but write "tidak" in documents and formal settings

4. Gapapa

   It's fine / No problem

   Usage

   A contraction of "tidak apa-apa". A friendly reply to an apology and safe with anyone; it reads warmer than the full form

5. Banget

   Very / So

   Usage

   An intensifier placed after an adjective: "enak banget" is "so tasty". It carries no crude edge, so it is safe for complimenting a cook

6. Santai aja

   Take it easy

   Usage

   For when you are being rushed, or to calm someone down. Safe with anyone. Young people sometimes spell it "santuy"

7. Nongkrong

   Hang out

   Usage

   Sitting around a stall or cafe talking for hours — a core part of daily life here. Say "nongkrong yuk" to invite a friend your age

8. Cabut

   Head off / Bounce

   Usage

   Literally "to pull out" — the casual way to say you are leaving. Friends only; with elders say "saya permisi dulu"

9. Yuk

   Let's go / Come on

   Usage

   An invitation particle placed after the verb: "makan yuk" is "let's go eat". It sounds warm rather than rude, even to someone older

10. Kuy

    Let's go (reversed "yuk")

    Usage

    "Yuk" spelled backwards. It lives in chat and social media rather than speech, and only among friends your age

11. Sih

    Softening particle

    Usage

    A sentence-final particle that softens a statement or adds mild questioning: "apa sih?" is "what do you mean?". Said sharply it sounds like an interrogation, so keep the tone light

12. Dong

    Come on / Please (particle)

    Usage

    A sentence-final particle that makes a request playful: "murah dong" is "come on, make it cheaper". It keeps market haggling friendly

13. Mantap

    Awesome / Solid

    Usage

    An all-purpose compliment for food or scenery, safe even with elders. Young people shorten it to "mantul", but that is a passing fashion you can skip

14. Mager

    Can't be bothered to move

    Usage

    Short for "malas gerak". Used about yourself it is a harmless joke anyone will get; aimed at someone else it sounds like a reproach, so avoid that

15. Baper

    Taking it too personally

    Usage

    Short for "bawa perasaan". Saying "baper nih" about yourself is safe; aimed at someone else it teases them, so keep it to close friends

16. Bete

    In a bad mood

    Usage

    Said to come from the initials of English "bad temper". Use it about your own mood, with friends — and be ready to explain why

17. Gercep

    Quick off the mark

    Usage

    Short for "gerak cepat". It is a compliment, so it is fine to aim at someone — among friends your age or on social media

18. Garing

    A joke that fell flat

    Usage

    Literally "dry and crispy" — the comeback to a joke that missed. Banter between close friends only; never about a stranger's or an elder's joke

19. OTW

    On the way

    Usage

    From English "on the way", read out as "oh-tay-way". Even ride-hailing drivers use it in chat, so it is safe with anyone

20. Gimana

    How? / What about it?

    Usage

    The spoken form of "bagaimana" — practically everyone says it this way. Fine with anyone in speech, but write "bagaimana" in documents and formal speeches

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