balimbing
|ba-lim-bing|
/baˈlɪmbɪŋ/
many-sided; switching sides
Etymology
'balimbing' originates from Malay/Indonesian, specifically the word 'belimbing', where it meant 'starfruit'.
'balimbing' changed from Malay/Indonesian 'belimbing' and was adopted into Tagalog/Filipino with local phonetic adjustment, becoming 'balimbing' in modern usage.
Initially, it meant 'starfruit', but over time it evolved into a figurative meaning of 'a person who switches sides' (turncoat) in Filipino political slang.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a tropical fruit also known as starfruit or carambola (Averrhoa carambola).
She picked a ripe balimbing from the tree in her yard.
Synonyms
Noun 2
informal/figurative (Philippine English/Tagalog): a turncoat or person who frequently switches political parties or allegiances.
Many voters called the mayor a balimbing after he changed parties twice.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
showing the behavior of a balimbing; fickle in political allegiance or loyalties.
The press described his actions as balimbing during the campaign.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/05 10:46