Filipino language and culture continue to make their mark on the global stage, as eleven uniquely Filipino words have been officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in its March 2025 update.
This recognition highlights the growing influence of Philippine English and how certain words, often untranslatable, fill gaps in the English language.
According to the OED, borrowing words from other languages is a natural way to address lexical gaps. When words are frequently used in English-speaking communities, they eventually become part of the broader English vocabulary.
This latest update underscores how Filipino expressions have become integral to daily conversations, not just in the Philippines but also among Filipinos worldwide.
The newly added Filipino words
The following words have been included in the dictionary, reflecting both cultural and linguistic uniqueness:
- CR (noun): A toilet; a lavatory. The term is widely used in the Philippines instead of “restroom” or “bathroom.”
- Gigil (noun and adjective): An intense feeling of excitement or frustration, often expressed by clenching fists, gritting teeth, or pinching something cute.
- Kababayan (noun): A fellow Filipino or someone from the same town or region.
- Load (noun): Mobile phone credit for pay-as-you-go services, an essential part of communication in the Philippines where prepaid phones are common.
- Lumpia (noun): A type of Filipino spring roll filled with meat, seafood, or vegetables, served fresh or deep-fried.
- Pinoy (adjective): Now officially recognized as an adjective to describe something related to the Philippines or Filipinos.
- Salakot (noun): A traditional Filipino hat worn by farmers to shield against the sun and rain.
- Sando (noun): A sleeveless undershirt or vest, a staple in warm climates like the Philippines.
- Terror (adjective): In Philippine English, used to describe a strict and demanding teacher.
- Thomasite (noun): American teachers who arrived in the Philippines during the American occupation (1899–1946) to establish the public school system and teach English.
- Videoke (noun): A popular form of entertainment where individuals sing along to instrumental tracks with lyrics displayed on a screen, often enjoyed at bars and parties.
The significance of Filipino words in global English
The inclusion of these words in the OED is not just a linguistic milestone but also a testament to the global presence of Filipino culture. The Philippines has a long history of linguistic evolution, with influences from Spanish, American English, and indigenous languages shaping Filipino vocabulary.
Filipino words have been making their way into global dictionaries for years. Terms like boondocks (from Tagalog “bundok,” meaning mountain) and balikbayan (a returning Filipino expat) were previously included.
According to Dr. Danica Salazar, World English Editor for the OED, “The Filipino people’s rich linguistic heritage continues to influence English. These words offer insights into Philippine life, traditions, and innovations that the world is eager to embrace.”
With the Filipino diaspora spanning across the globe, it is no surprise that Filipino English continues to gain recognition. Many of these words are widely used in overseas Filipino communities, especially in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
This linguistic achievement encourages Filipinos to take pride in their language and heritage, proving that even in a globalized world, uniquely Filipino words remain indispensable in everyday conversations