A maganda is an uneducated, unsophisticated person. The Turkish translation is: one who has something to learn.
After living many years in Turkey, I have a pretty good grasp on what is "maganda". Calling out in the street, shortchanging someone, being rude, being "low class." But it goes deeper than this.
An ex-pat friend who has also spent an incredible amount of time in this wonderful land,
Her Mama and mine both started from humble beginnings and found their way up the success ladder mostly due to perseverance and marrying well. But they still have their moments. I won't tell you what hers did of late but I can relay what mine did which, I believe, nominates her for the "Maganda Mother of the Year Award."
My family has always had really nice luxury and hi-end vehicles. My Papa always said vanity plates were for losers that wanted to call more attention to themselves and also the police, if they should do anything wrong and someone would easily remember the tag.
That being said, Mama, who is divorced from Papa, you won't wonder why after reading this, recently acquired a black Mercedes 4 door sedan. a step up from the 2 seater roadster with no room. Inspired by the take-down of Bin Laden, she decided to name her car "Black Hawk." OK, an older lady trying to be adventuresome. BUT...then she told me she ordered new plates that read, "BLK HAWK." They come next week.
Now how the hell am I going to get in a car like that? Allah, Allah!
