Esmiringhoy: What it means, why it’s viral

If you’re chronically online, you’ve likely come across the word “esmiringhoy” on social media.

The term began circulating online through viral clips from an October 16 episode of “Raffy Tulfo in Action,” a YouTube program hosted by broadcast journalist-turned-senator Raffy Tulfo that helps resolve disputes and provides assistance to those in need.

The episode, titled “MR, AYAW MAKIPAG-‘ESMIRINGHOY’ KAY MRS!,” centers on a dispute between a married couple, with the wife appearing on the program to complain about her husband’s womanizing ways.

The wife explained that at one point during their marriage, her husband, who worked abroad, had been advised by his doctor to refrain from strenuous activities, including sexual intercourse, which she referred to as “esmiringhoy.”

“Hindi daw siya puwedeng uminom, hindi daw siya puwedeng mai-stress, hindi daw siya puwedeng ano, kasi ‘yon pinagbawal daw ng doktor. Hindi daw siya puwedeng mag-esmiringhoy,” the wife said.

When the program’s stand-in host asked what “esmiringhoy” meant, the wife replied, “‘Yong mag-bembangan ba,” using another Filipino slang term for sexual intercourse.

Even as their marriage reached a breaking point, the wife revealed that she had tried to coax her husband into having sex with her one last time.

“Bago tayo maghiwalay, mag-esmiringhoy muna tayo para last na lang na ano,” she recalled telling her husband in the program.

The term “esmiringhoy” appears to have Visayan roots, with online Visayan dictionaries defining the similar word “ismiringhoy” as a female prostitute or mistress.

The term has since gone viral on social media, with netizens amused by what they see as a new slang term for sexual intercourse. Some posts have even drawn comparisons to other slang terms, such as “jerjer” and “bembangan.”

Other netizens have also incorporated “esmiringhoy” into memes. In one X post, a social media user edited an image from the romantic comedy series “Sex and the City,” changing its title to “Esmiringhoy and the City.”