menikung

Menikung is a verb used in Indonesian and Malay to describe a road maneuver in which a driver or rider abruptly swings into another lane or path to overtake or reposition, often cutting in front of another vehicle. The act can involve weaving through traffic or making a sudden turn with limited warning. It is commonly discussed in traffic safety discourse as a risky practice that can lead to collisions, especially when signaling, spacing, or situational awareness are inadequate.

Etymology and usage notes: The verb is formed with the prefix me- from the root nikung, a common construction in Indonesian and Malay verbs. The exact origin of nikung is not clearly documented, but menikung is an established term in everyday language for describing this type of hazardous lane maneuver.

Context and safety considerations: Menikung is typically associated with motorists and motorcyclists maneuvering to gain position in congested conditions. Because it can surprise other road users and reduce reaction time, it is frequently cited in road-safety discussions as dangerous and, depending on local traffic law, potentially illegal when performed without appropriate signaling or space.

Regional presence: The term is widely understood in Indonesia and Malaysia and is used similarly in casual Malay-language discourse. In formal traffic contexts, equivalent descriptions such as lane change or overtaking are used, but menikung remains a common colloquial label for this risky driving behavior.