kakaiba

Kakaiba is an adjective used in Indonesian, Malay, and Filipino languages such as Tagalog to describe something that is different or unusual from what is expected. It signals that a person, object, or situation stands out because of distinctive traits, characteristics, or behavior. The nuance can be neutral, positive, or mildly negative depending on context and tone.

Etymology and usage: In Tagalog, kakaiba is formed from the root iba meaning “other” with the prefix ka- to express degree or state. In Indonesian and Malay, the form kakaiba is common in everyday speech and media, conveying a similar sense of difference or peculiarity. The term can appear in predicative position (Itu kakaiba) or before a noun to emphasize a distinctive quality (gaya hidupnya kakaiba), though exact usage can vary by region and register.

Connotations: Because kakaiba emphasizes conspicuous difference, it can describe originality and creativity as well as oddness or awkwardness. It is often less harsh than harsher terms for “strange” and may be used neutrally or humorously in informal conversation, while in formal contexts speakers might choose alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

See also: Similar expressions exist in related Austronesian languages, where words for “different” or “unusual” form with prefixes or infixes to indicate degree or state.