We’ve heard about English words inspired by Tagalog, but did you know that some Filipino words have been inducted into the English dictionary? That’s right. These are words that have made it into the Oxford English Dictionary. There are around 40 Filipino words recognized by the dictionary, like important cultural words like barong and balikbayan, but even our unique Filipino-isms were acknowledged, like KKB and kikay.
So in honor of our unique brand of English, here are 20 curious Filipino words and phrases recognized in the Oxford English Dictionary. Just in time for Buwan ng Wika.
Also read:
50 Filipino Words Worth Reintroducing Into the Common Lingo
Here Are 5 English Words Inspired by Philippine Languages
1| High blood
Definition: Stressed or annoyed. In reference to having high blood pressure.
Used in a sentence: “You’re making me high blood, anak.”
2| Sari-sari store
Definition: Filipino corner store.
Used in a sentence: “You can get anything at the sari-sari store.”
3| Estafa
Definition: Criminal offense of swindling.
Used in a sentence: “He’s going to jail for committing estafa.”
4| Despedida
Definition: A farewell party.
Used in a sentence: “I’m bringing cake to her despedida.”
5| Carnap
Definition: To steal a car.
Used in a sentence: “His brand new Tesla was carnapped."
6| Halo-halo
Definition: A delicious Filipino summertime dessert.
Used in a sentence: “Summer is the best time for halo-halo.”
7| Utang na loob
Definition: An emotional debt to someone who helped you.
Used in a sentence: “I help my parents whenever I can because of utang na loob.”
8| Comfort room
Definition: The bathroom.
Used in a sentence: “Is there a comfort room nearby?”
9| KKB
Definition: Acronym for “kanya-kanyang bayad,” in which friends or family pay for themselves. In other worse, splitting the bill.
Used in a sentence: “Let’s go to dinner, but the bill is KKB.”
10| Pandesal
Definition: A delicious, pillowy bread common in the Philippines.
Used in a sentence: “I want pandesal for breakfast.”
11| Suki
Definition: A regular customer or client.
Used in a sentence: “I used to always go to his store. I was his suki back then.”
12| Presidentiable
Definition: Someone who is in the running for president or possesses presidential traits.
Used in a sentence: “She was truly presidentiable."
13| Baon
Definition: Packed lunch.
Used in a sentence: “My baon is better than any takeout from a fast food restaurant.”
14| Mani-pedi
Definition: A manicure and pedicure.
Used in a sentence: “I’m in dire need of a mani-pedi.”
15| Dirty kitchen
Definition: A secondary kitchen used for the bulk of the cooking.
Used in a sentence: “We do most of the work in the dirty kitchen. The main kitchen is just for display.”
16| Kikay
Definition: A stylist person who likes to follow trends.
Used in a sentence: “She’s so kikay. She’s always on top of trends.”
17| Gimmick
Definition: A night out with friends.
Used in a sentence: “We had a crazy gimmick last night.”
18| Batchmate
Definition: Someone who shares the same year (high school or college batch) as you.
Used in a sentence: “Keanu Reeves and I were batchmates.”
19| Pulutan
Definition: Appetizers to accompany alcohol.
Used in a sentence: “Where’s the pulutan? Every shot needs pulutan.”
20| Tabo
Definition: A handheld plastic tub used for cleaning and bathing.
Used in a sentence: “I want to go home. Why are there no tabos in America?
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