Scrolling through TikTok the other day, I came across a video captioned “tung tung tung sahur 😆” and paused mid-scroll.
I had absolutely no idea what it meant. Was it a dance? A song? Or some inside joke? If you’ve ever wondered the same thing, you’re in the right place. Slang can spread like wildfire, especially around cultural events or holidays, and sometimes it leaves us scratching our heads.
Let’s break down this playful phrase so you can finally get the joke and maybe even use it in your chats.
Quick Answer:
Tung Tung Tung Sahur is a fun, onomatopoeic phrase often used to mimic the sound of a drum or bell calling people to wake up for sahur, the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan. It’s friendly, humorous, and casual, mostly used in social media or chat conversations around Ramadan.
🧠 What Does “Tung Tung Tung Sahur” Mean in Text?
The phrase comes from Indonesian and Malaysian online slang. During Ramadan, it’s common for people to be woken up for sahur by the sound of drums, traditional bells, or calls. Social media users mimic this sound textually as “tung tung tung” followed by “sahur” to create a playful, rhythmic phrase.
In short:
Tung Tung Tung Sahur = drum/bell sound + pre-dawn meal = humorous wake-up call reference.
Example Sentence:
“tung tung tung sahur guys, time to eat before fasting 😆”
📱 Where Is “Tung Tung Tung Sahur” Commonly Used?
You’ll mostly encounter this phrase in online spaces connected to Southeast Asian culture:
- TikTok 🎵 – viral videos around Ramadan or morning routines
- Instagram 📸 – memes, reels, and stories
- WhatsApp / Telegram 💬 – family or friend groups sending playful wake-up messages
- Twitter / X 🐦 – humorous Ramadan tweets
- Snapchat 👻 – meme captions and morning snaps
Tone:
✅ Casual
✅ Humorous
❌ Not formal
💬 Examples of “Tung Tung Tung Sahur” in Conversation
Example 1
A: bro still sleeping?
B: tung tung tung sahur 😆 wake up!
Example 2
A: why are you texting so early?
B: tung tung tung sahur time, join me for breakfast 😂
Example 3
A: alarm didn’t go off 😭
B: tung tung tung sahur to the rescue 😎
Example 4
A: i’m too tired
B: tung tung tung sahur, come on 😆
Example 5
A: what’s with all the early morning memes
B: tung tung tung sahur, it’s Ramadan vibes 💛
Example 6
A: anyone awake?
B: tung tung tung sahur here 😂
Example 7
A: why is everyone so cheerful at 4am
B: tung tung tung sahur, it’s the energy 😎
🕓 When to Use and When Not to Use “Tung Tung Tung Sahur”
✅ When to Use
- With friends or family familiar with Ramadan traditions
- In social media captions during pre-dawn hours
- To add humor to morning or sahur-related posts
- In casual WhatsApp or Telegram group chats
❌ When Not to Use
- Professional or work emails
- Serious or formal situations
- With people unfamiliar with Ramadan or the cultural context
- Outside the intended humorous context
Context Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “tung tung tung sahur guys, wake up! 😆” | Casual, playful |
| Group Chat | “tung tung tung sahur time, let’s eat!” | Friendly, relatable |
| Work Chat | “Time to start the day” ❌ | Too formal, misses cultural humor |
| “Please prepare your tasks before the deadline” ❌ | Not humorous or casual | |
| Social Media | “tung tung tung sahur vibes 💛” | Perfect for memes and festive posts |
🔄 Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sahur Time | Simple reminder of pre-dawn meal | Casual, family/friend chats |
| Drum Wake-up | Mimics early morning drum sound | Social media posts |
| Rise & Shine | General wake-up phrase | Casual, universal |
| Early Bird Vibes | Morning energy reference | Social media, friends |
| Ramadan Alarm | Fun, festive reminder | Cultural, casual chats |
❓ FAQs About “Tung Tung Tung Sahur”
1. Is this phrase only used in Indonesia?
While it originates from Indonesia and Malaysia, it’s widely used on global social media by people aware of Ramadan culture.
2. Can non-Muslims use it?
Yes, but it’s best used respectfully and in a playful context.
3. Is “tung tung tung” literal?
It’s onomatopoeic, imitating drums or bells used to wake people for sahur.
4. Is it formal language?
No, it’s casual, playful, and meme-friendly.
5. Can I use it outside Ramadan?
Technically yes, but it’s culturally tied to pre-dawn meals during fasting, so context matters.
Conclusion
Tung Tung Tung Sahur” is a playful, culturally rooted slang phrase that brings humor and festive vibes to early mornings during Ramadan.
By understanding its meaning, examples, and context, you can confidently join in on memes, texts, and TikTok trends. Just remember: casual, respectful, and culturally aware is the key.
Robat Hood is a creative writer and contributor at Saypadia, focused on explaining trending words, slang, and cultural phrases in a simple and engaging way. With a sharp eye for modern language trends, Robat aims to make Saypadia a trusted place for understanding how words are used online and in daily conversations. His content is informative, approachable, and designed for readers of all levels.
