The Oxford English Dictionary just got a Filipino flavor! Out of 600 new words added in its March 2025 update, 11 are straight from the Philippines.
The Filipino language is a beautiful blend of rich history, culture, and emotions, making it one of the most expressive languages in the world. With its colorful and layered meanings, it’s no wonder that even the English language—which many of us grew up learning—is beginning to adopt Filipino words.
The context and depth that certain Filipino terms bring to a conversation are hard to translate, and instead of trying to fill the gap, English just borrows these words. And guess what? The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) just took a big step by adding 11 Filipino words in its March 2025 update. So, it’s official—Philippine English is making waves! Uy, Pilipins!
Here are the 11 Filipino Words Added to the Oxford Dictionary
The latest update to the OED added over 600 new words and phrases, and 11 of these are Filipino terms that highlight how Philippine English is evolving and gaining international recognition.
The OED even calls Philippine English a “distinct variety,” one shaped by the country’s native languages, its colonial past, and of course, its unique culture. English was introduced to the Philippines by the Americans in the early 1900s, and over time, Filipinos have truly made it their own. In fact, now it feels like the tables have turned—we’re basically colonizing the English language! (Who knew that we’d end up teaching them a thing or two, right?)
Well, let’s take a look at the 11 Filipino words that are now officially part of the English language and see what makes each one stand out:
- CR – If you’ve ever been in the Philippines and heard someone ask, “Where’s the CR?” don’t worry—they’re not talking about an exam. It’s shorthand for “comfort room,” which means lavatory or toilet.
- Gigil – Here’s one you’ll probably recognize if you’ve ever been in a cute-overload situation. Gigil is that intense feeling you get when you see something or someone so cute that it makes you want to squeeze them. You might feel your hands clenching, your teeth gritting, or even your body trembling. It’s an emotion that has no equal in English, and now, thanks to the OED, it has its own entry.
- Kababayan – This term means “fellow Filipino” or “countryman,” but it goes deeper. It’s also used to refer to people who come from the same region or town. It’s that special bond we share when we meet another Filipino abroad or even in our own country.
- Lumpia – You’ve probably eaten it at a party or family gathering, but lumpia is more than just a tasty snack or viand. It’s a Filipino spring roll, usually filled with meat or veggies. It is deep-fried for that extra crispness and served with dipping sauce—and now, it’s officially part of the global food lexicon!
- Salakot – This is a traditional lightweight Filipino hat, often worn by farmers. It’s conical, wide-brimmed, and typically made of bamboo or palm leaves. It’s the kind of hat that shields you from the sun during those hot days in the fields.
- Sando – In the Philippines, a “sando” is a sleeveless garment, commonly known as a vest. It’s comfy, casual, and perfect for hot days.
- Videoke – If you’ve ever been to a Filipino party or karaoke bar, then you know exactly what this is. Videoke is a twist on karaoke where you sing along to a pre-recorded track while following the lyrics that appear on the screen. No Filipino celebration is ever complete without a videoke and that iconic “Are you having fun?” line.
Also, the Oxford Dictionary also recognized how Filipinos use existing English words in unique ways, such as:
- Load – In the Philippines, when someone talks about “loading” their phone, they mean adding prepaid credit to their mobile plan.
- Terror – If you’ve ever had a teacher who was tough, strict, and a little scary, you might’ve heard them called a “terror.” In the Philippines, this refers to a teacher who demands a lot from their students in a no-nonsense kind of way.
- Pinoy – If you’re a Filipino, you’re probably familiar with this one. It refers to something or someone that’s Filipino, whether it’s about food, culture, or identity. It’s a point of pride for many Filipinos around the world.
- Thomasites – Lastly, this term refers to the American teachers in the Philippines during the period of American occupation (1899–1946), particularly those belonging to the first group of teachers who arrived in the U.S. Army Transport Thomas in 1901. They were tasked with establishing a new public school system, teaching basic education, and training Filipino teachers, using English as the primary language of instruction.
The addition of these words reflects not just the everyday life of Filipinos but also the country’s resilience, humor, creativity, and historical influences. These terms bring color to conversations, much like how Filipino culture colors the world.
As the language evolves, we continue to add new words—especially with the rise of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who are bringing their own fresh vocabulary into the mix. It’s a reminder that language is always changing, reflecting who we are and where we come from. And who knows? Maybe in the future, we’ll see even more Filipino words make their way into the global dictionary.
