ผีดิบ

Explanation

ผีดิบ describes an undead creature found in horror movies, novels, comics, and games. In modern usage, it is especially likely to mean a zombie. The word is formed from ผี, meaning “ghost” or “supernatural being,” and ดิบ, meaning “raw” or “uncooked.” However, learners should treat ผีดิบ as a complete word meaning an undead creature rather than interpret it literally. The classifier ตัว can be used for these creatures: ผีดิบหนึ่งตัว means “one zombie.” ฝูงผีดิบ means “a horde of zombies.” It can also be used humorously for someone who looks exhausted, pale, or barely awake, as in เหมือนผีดิบ, “like a zombie.”

Usage

It is commonly used when discussing horror movies, stories, comics, or games featuring zombies or other undead creatures. In casual conversation, it can also humorously describe someone who looks extremely tired or sleep-deprived.

Caution

It does not refer to ghosts in general; the broader word for a ghost or spirit is ผี. When used about a person, it can sound like a negative comment on their appearance, so it is best reserved for friendly or playful situations.

1 zombie synonyms

• ซอมบี้

  ซอมบี้ is a modern loanword from “zombie” and directly names the familiar creature from movies and games. ผีดิบ is a native Thai term with a somewhat broader sense of an undead being, though in modern horror contexts the two often refer to the same creature.

• ผี

  phǐi ghost

  ผี is the general word for ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural beings. ผีดิบ is more specific, referring to an undead creature, typically a reanimated corpse.