Nggegirisi
/jv/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (JV).Javanese•1 meaning found
Adjective
A word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it.
Something that causes an extraordinary sense of fear or is extremely frightening, often used to describe atmosphere, sounds, or events that trigger intense emotional tension among Javanese speakers.
girisan
"Girisan" is an older, more poetic form in Javanese with a deeper emotional nuance.
manggung
"Manggung" is a regional variant from East Java, frequently used in daily conversation.
sukare
This term appears more frequently in oral folklore and traditional Javanese storytelling.
ngelik
Though primarily a verb, "ngelik" can function as an emotional descriptor comparable to "nggegirisi".
kethokan
This term reflects a Javanese cultural concept of internal tension and vigilance toward the unseen.
The word “nggegirisi” originates from the Javanese root gegiris, etymologically referring to a trembling or shivering feeling caused by fear or tension. This form is an informal and dialectal variant of the formal Indonesian word “mengerikan”. In Javanese contexts, particularly in Central and East Java, it is commonly used in everyday speech to emphasize the psychological impact of something unexpected or hidden. Its usage in the ngoko_lugu speech level reflects intimacy and low formality, typical of peer-to-peer communication. The term frequently appears in local horror narratives or Javanese folktales, such as legends about “Papat Limpad” or “Jin Kali”, where sudden silence symbolizes an underlying threat. This reflects a cultural value in Javanese society that emphasizes “kethokan” (internal tension) and “waspada terhadap yang tak kelihatan” (vigilance toward the unseen).
Omah tua neng pojok desa kuwi pancen nggegirisi banget, aku ora wani mlebu. (Rumah tua di pojok desa itu memang sangat menyeramkan, aku tidak berani masuk.)
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
Slang evolves fast. If this word is used differently in your circle, add it here.
Definition: An interrogative phrase in krama inggil Javanese register meaning “how” or “in what manner”, used to politely inquire about the condition, state, or method of something with a high degree of respect.
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