Bete
/id/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).Definition & Context
NounNoun
A word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas.
A feeling of annoyance, irritation, or displeasure experienced due to an unpleasant or disappointing situation; the informal equivalent of “sebal” (to be fed up or annoyed).
Synonyms & Variants
dongkol
Feeling a suppressed annoyance or irritation.
jengkel
Feeling displeased or annoyed due to someone else's actions or words.
kesal
A feeling of displeasure or irritation caused by something bothersome.
males
Non-standard or casual form of 'malas'.
sebal
Feeling displeased, hateful, or disgusted.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word bete is derived from the English phrase bad temper, which was phonetically absorbed and shortened by young Indonesian speakers into the two-syllable form be-te. Its popularity surged in the 1990s alongside the influx of Western pop culture and the rise of urban youth slang, particularly in Jakarta. The term subsequently spread nationwide through entertainment media such as soap operas (sinetron), teen magazines, and radio broadcasts. Notably, bete has evolved grammatically, beyond its adjectival use, it is also employed as an informal verb, as seen in constructions like “jangan di-bete-in” (don't annoy me / don't make me feel bad).
Real-world Usage
Bete banget sih, udah nunggu lama eh dibatalin.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
More Examples
Moodku ancur seharian, bete liat orang lain pada happy mulu.
My mood's been ruined all day, annoyed seeing everyone else just being happy.