Stecu
Definition & Context
Noun
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.
The act of pretending to be calm and unbothered when one is actually panicking, nervous, or under pressure. The word describes a deliberately composed facial expression or behavior meant to appear as though everything is fine, while the inner state is the opposite. Commonly used to mock or humorously describe someone's reaction.
Synonyms & Variants
berpura-pura
To act as if something is true or real, when it is not. In the context of 'stecu', this refers to feigning calmness.
jaga imej
An effort to maintain one's image or appearance to look good in the eyes of others, including by hiding panic or nervousness.
menutupi kegugupan
An attempt to conceal actual feelings of nervousness or anxiety.
muka badak
An idiom describing someone who is shameless or indifferent to others' feelings, often also used to denote feigned indifference.
sok tenang
To pretend to be calm or relaxed, when in fact one is not. Similar to 'stecu' but more general and does not always carry a strong humorous or sarcastic connotation.
cuek
Similar in denoting an unconcerned attitude.
tidak peduli
More formal standard phrase for indifference.
sok cool
Jaksel slang variant for similar contexts.
Usage Notes or Etymology
Stecu derives from the abbreviation sok tenang cuek (pretend calm and indifferent), emerging among urban Indonesian youth via social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok around 2020. Describes feigned calmness in tense situations for humorous or mocking effect.
Real-world Usage
Lo stecu banget pas kena marah bos, haha.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
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