Tempo doeloe
/id/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).Indonesian•1 meaning found
Expression
A word or phrase, especially an idiomatic one, used to convey an idea.
A phrase referring to “olden times” or a specific historical period, often associated with nostalgia for the Dutch East Indies colonial era.
masa lampau
The formal equivalent in modern Indonesian.
zaman dulu
A more common variation used in daily conversation.
This term is derived from the word tempo meaning time and doeloe, the archaic spelling of dulu (past). The use of the “oe” digraph follows the Van Ophuijsen spelling system used before 1947. During the Soewandi Spelling era (1947-1972), the spelling changed to tempo dulu as “oe” was replaced by “u”. Despite being technically obsolete, the form tempo doeloe is preserved in cultural and marketing contexts to enhance a historical or retro aesthetic.
Roemah ini masih bergaja tempo doeloe. (Rumah ini masih bergaya tempo dulu.)
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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