Pengagum

Pengagum is a noun used in Malay and Indonesian to describe a person who admires someone or something, an admirer or devotee. The term is formed with the agentive prefix peng- and relates to admiration, often conveying a sense of respectful or affectionate regard for a public figure, artist, author, or idea.

Usage and nuance: Pengagum can refer to a broad range of admiration, from casual appreciation to a more steadfast regard. It is commonly found in formal or literary contexts and in media reporting when describing a person who admires a figure or work. In everyday language, speakers may prefer other terms such as penggemar to denote a fan or enthusiast, but pengagum remains appropriate for describing personal admiration or devotion.

Distinctions and examples: While penggemar emphasizes active following and enthusiasm, pengagum emphasizes the act of admiring itself and the attitude of reverence or esteem. For example, a pengagum setia of a novelist might value the author’s ideas and style, whereas a penggemar could be more focused on consuming the author’s works or supporting public appearances.

See also: penggemar (fan), admirer, devotee. Pengagum thus serves as a neutral descriptor for someone who holds admiration for a person, work, or concept, with a nuance centered on esteem rather than just fandom or active support.