What is the Meaning of 'Asu' that is Often Used as a Curse Word? Know the Meaning and Variations of the Word in Javanese

Kapanlagi.com - What comes to mind when you hear the word "asu"? Some of you might get carried away with emotions and get angry. This is because the word asu is often used as one of the curse words in daily life. Often, people mention the word asu with anger. So, what is the actual meaning of asu?

As a curse, the word asu is quite often used. Even without knowing the actual meaning of asu, people from various regions still use this word as their favorite curse word. As a result, the word asu has a very negative connotation.

However, if we delve deeper, there is actually nothing wrong with using the word asu. The harsh and negative meaning of the word asu depends on the surrounding context. So, to find out more about the meaning of asu and why this word can be a curse, let's take a look at the following explanation.

1. What Does Asu Mean

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To answer what asu means, it is important to know where this word actually comes from. Most people may already know that asu comes from the Javanese language. However, because it has been frequently used by many people from various backgrounds, this word asu seems to have become part of the Indonesian language.

The meaning of asu in the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI) itself also refers to the meaning of the word asu in the Javanese language. In the KBBI, asu means dog. In this case, dog in the sense of the name of a certain type of animal. However, it cannot be denied that this word is more often used as a curse, to express anger or misfortune. Therefore, the meaning and significance of the word asu have shifted to a negative meaning.

2. Variations of the Word Asu in Javanese

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In Javanese itself, the word asu actually has several variations. Yes, as we know, Javanese is one of the regional languages that has a system of levels or often referred to as unggah-ungguh. Even so, in this context, the meaning of asu remains the same, referring to a certain type of animal. Here are some variations of the word asu in Javanese:

- Kirik, which is a term for a young dog (puppies).

- Asu, which is a general term for a dog.

- Segawon, which is a polite or formal word to refer to a dog.

3. The Use of the Word 'Asu' in Javanese

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Regardless of being a curse word, in Javanese, 'asu' is still a word that describes one type of animal. Therefore, in daily life, this word is still used to refer to one type of animal. Thus, the meaning of 'asu' as a curse word or vulgar word only applies in certain contexts.

In other words, the word 'asu' can still be considered polite and refined when used to refer to a type of animal. Even if the word 'asu' (to refer to a type of animal) is mentioned by children.

In addition to everyday conversations to refer to the names of animal types and as a curse word, the word 'asu' is also found in several Javanese proverbs. Here are some of them:

1) "Asu rebutan balung" (dogs fighting over a bone)

Meaning:

Asu or dog in the proverb above depicts someone who refuses to give in when competing for something.

2) "Asu marani gebuk" (a dog approaching a club)

Meaning:

Asu or dog in this proverb is used to describe someone who is foolish and reckless for approaching 'gebuk', which is a metaphor for depicting imminent danger.

3) "Asu belang kalung wang" (a spotted dog wearing a necklace of money)

Meaning:

Asu or dog is an animal with a negative image and a spotted dog has an even worse image because it is considered a greedy breed. This proverb is used to describe someone who is lowly but wealthy.

4. The Meaning of 'Asu' as an Insult

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As mentioned earlier, the word 'asu' is now more commonly known as an insult. Although it originated from the Javanese language, the use of 'asu' as an insult has become widespread. Not only used by people of Javanese descent, but the insult 'asu' is also commonly used by people from various regions and ethnic backgrounds. It is not surprising that many consider 'asu' to be a popular insult.

No one knows for sure how the word 'asu' came to be used as an insult. However, some believe that, as an insult, 'asu' or 'dog' is associated with being unclean (according to Islam), dirty, wild, and fierce. Therefore, many assume that this judgment led to 'asu' becoming an insult. This is reinforced by the fact that the word 'anjing' (dog) is also used as an insult in the Indonesian language.

Behind this assumption, in the Javanese language itself, the word 'asu' is often used as an insult. Besides 'asu', there are actually several types of insults in the Javanese language that originate from animal names. For example, 'wedhus' (goat) or 'jangkrik' (cricket). However, these two types of animals do not have characteristics that can be associated with something bad.

That is an explanation of the meaning of 'asu' in the Javanese language and how it eventually became an insult. Hopefully, this is useful and can answer your curiosity.

(kpl/gen/psp)