Qualitative exploration on the prevalence of swear words in MLBB among Filipino online players

Abstract

Filipinos have become deeply engaged in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) scene, positioning the Philippines as a dominant force in the global esports arena. Its popularity, especially among younger Filipinos aged 19 to 22, has led to widespread participation, with many playing for entertainment, stress relief, or as a social activity. However, Filipino players contribute to the emergence of profanity within the MLBB community, with common use of swear words like “gago” and “bobo” as expressions of frustration and competition. This paper analyzed the linguistic patterns and effect of the proliferation of swear words in the platform. MLBB players (n=16) in Iloilo City were purposively sampled to be interviewed in this study. The findings revealed diverse linguistic behaviors among MLBB players, which involved frequent codeswitching between languages, often based on social context, and swearing as a form of humor, using profanity creatively to circumvent community guidelines. Swear words also served specific roles in gameplay, reflecting frustration and intensifying aggression, especially when players felt their team was underperforming. While some players viewed profanity as a motivational tool or emotional outlet, others identified it as a source of tension that negatively impacted communication, teamwork, and overall gaming experience. The impact of swearing on team dynamics remained mixed, with both positive and negative effects observed, suggesting a need for further exploration of its influence on team cohesion.