ningas kugon

From ningas (“ignition”) kugon (“cogon grass”). Dried cogon grass is highly flammable & ignites easily, but likewise, burns out quickly or does not last long.

• IPA^(key): /niŋasˈkuɡon/, [nɪŋɐsˈkuɰon]

ningas kugon

1. fleetingly enthusiastic; hardworking, nice, or great at first, but eventually, no longer continues what was started.

ningas kugon

1. ephemeral enthusiasm
2. activity or project that doesn't last

This describes how an initially fiery excitement over a new endeavor loses steam very quickly.

• “ningas kugon” in Pambansang Diksiyonaryo | Diksiyonaryo.ph, Manila: Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, 2018.