BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
The word “gigil” is one of Filipinos’ favorite expressions.
But did you know that this uniquely Filipino term is now officially included in the Oxford English Dictionary?
Filipinos often use “gigil” in conversations, social media reactions, and even memes.
As of March this year, it has been recognized as a distinct word under the Philippine English category of the renowned dictionary.
Gigil has no direct English translation, but it describes an overwhelming feeling of excitement, affection, or even frustration—sometimes leading to a physical reaction like pinching or biting, especially when something or someone is too cute to handle.
Though its exact origins remain unclear, gigil has long been part of Filipino conversations and is deeply rooted in the country’s expressive culture.
This is not the first time a Filipino word has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
Other Filipino terms, such as kilig, presidentiable, bongga, teleserye, KKB, OFW, pulutan, yaya, and gimmick, have also been included.
Linguists note that many Filipino words carry deep emotions and cultural context that make them difficult to translate directly into English.
While gigil can be roughly expressed as an “irresistible urge,” it encompasses a broader meaning in Filipino culture.
As the Filipino language continues to grow and influence other countries, more Filipino words may soon gain international recognition.
