The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially added the word “gigil” along with several other Filipino terms in its latest update.
“Gigil,” a Tagalog word, describes an intense, almost uncontrollable feeling of excitement or affection, often leading to physical expressions such as squeezing or pinching.
It is commonly associated with seeing something extremely cute.
The term is linked to the psychological concept of “cute aggression,” where overwhelming positive emotions lead to seemingly aggressive behavior.
Aside from “gigil,” other Filipino words included in the OED update are:
- CR – Short for “comfort room,” a widely used term in the Philippines referring to a toilet or restroom.
- Kababayan – Meaning “fellow Filipino” or someone from the same hometown or region. It is also the name of a Filipino pastry shaped like a traditional salakot hat.
- Lumpia – A popular Filipino-style spring roll filled with meat or vegetables, served fresh or fried.
- Pinoy – An informal term used to refer to Filipinos or anything related to the Philippines.
- Sando – A sleeveless undershirt.
- Thomasite – A term for American teachers sent to the Philippines during the American colonial period.
- Videoke – A beloved pastime in the Philippines, similar to karaoke but with added scoring features.
The inclusion of these words highlights the increasing global recognition of the Filipino language and culture.
The OED regularly updates its entries to reflect linguistic evolution.
The addition of these uniquely Filipino terms is a testament to their relevance in English discourse today.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) adds words that have gained widespread usage and cultural significance. “Gigil” has been increasingly recognized beyond the Philippines, making it an important addition.
The widespread use of social media, Filipino diaspora communities, and academic studies on “cute aggression” have helped bring attention to the word “gigil” beyond the Philippines.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is one of the most authoritative and comprehensive dictionaries of the English language. It documents the history, meanings, and usage of words over time and is regularly updated to include new words and evolving definitions.
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