Mokel
Definition & Context
Verb
A word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence.
The act of intentionally breaking one's fast before the designated time of iftar, whether by eating, drinking, or performing other acts that invalidate fasting. This term originates from the Javanese lexicon and is commonly used in daily conversation among Javanese speakers.
Synonyms & Variants
batal puasa
A more widely used national informal variant outside Javanese-speaking communities.
buka puasa
Literally means 'breaking the fast', but in this context refers to the act of eating or drinking outside the designated fasting hours, not at the legitimate time for breaking the fast.
membatalkan puasa
The formal standard Indonesian equivalent of `mokel`.
tidak puasa
The condition of someone who is not observing the fast, either for religious reasons or not.
nglanggar poso
A Javanese dialect variant with a *normative violation* nuance; `nglanggar` means to violate and `poso` means fast, emphasizing the moral dimension of the act of `mokel`.
ngerusak puasa
A mixed Javanese-Indonesian variant used in informal speech with a similar meaning.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word mokel is believed to originate from Javanese Ngoko register and has become an established part of everyday Javanese vocabulary, particularly in the context of the Ramadan fasting month. Etymologically, some accounts link it to a root related to the concept of “opening” or “releasing”, metaphorically referring to the act of releasing oneself from the obligation of fasting. The term is widely used across Central Java and East Java, and has since spread into national informal discourse through social interaction and digital media. Its tone ranges from neutral to mildly teasing, depending on context and intonation. In the Ngoko Lugu register, it is used among peers without honorific or pejorative connotations.
Real-world Usage
Kowe mokel to, kok mangan awan-awan ngene? (Kamu batalin puasa ya, kok makan siang-siang begini?)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
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