Kezel
/id/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).Definition & Context
AdjectiveAdjective
A word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it.
A feeling of annoyance, irritation, or displeasure caused by something bothersome; Common synonyms: “annoyed”, “irritated”. A phonetic slang form of the standard Indonesian word kesal, widely used in informal speech, especially among teenagers and students.
Synonyms & Variants
bete
Abbreviation of 'bad mood', used to express feelings of boredom, annoyance, or lack of enthusiasm.
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.
sebal
Feeling displeased, hateful, or disgusted.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word kezel is a phonetic shift derived from the standard Indonesian word kesal, meaning annoyed or irritated. This transformation involves a process of vowel and consonant substitution that renders the word more expressively forceful to young speakers — a phenomenon common in Indonesian youth slang formation. Similar phonetic mutations appear across Indonesian informal vocabulary. The term gained widespread traction in the early 2010s through social media platforms such as Twitter, Path, and Instagram, eventually becoming a staple of national youth slang used across regional boundaries.
Real-world Usage
Kezel banget sih, udah nunggu lama eh dia nggak jadi dateng.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.