The
Philippines is known as the third largest English-speaking country
after United Kingdom and the United States. But that is not to say that
we are the only ones in Asia who has adapted to the said
language. It just so happened that the country was once under the US
control from 1898-1946, including the years when WWII broke out. That's a
long time! And the people adjusted fairly well when English became more
mainstream as opposed to the Spanish language.
You
gotta know that although the Americans did not stay as long as the
Spaniards to fully integrate their culture to the Filipinos, they have
made their influence on the Filipinos just the same and their language
was no different. In fact, they made it more accessible to the natives
than what their predecessor ever did in the 333 years they were in the
country. Also, the education they provided was quite liberating and
progressive than what the people of that time were used to.
So it doesn't come as a surprise when the Filipinos have made some English words as their own. Nowadays, there is even such a thing called "Filipino accent", though (I'm) not sure how that is any different. Don't get me wrong though, I can decipher "British accent" to that on the "American accent" but the "Filipino accent", well now. . .
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| gif from giphy.com |
1. Salvage
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, this word is defined as "the act of saving something (such as a building, a ship, or cargo) that is in danger of being completely destroyed". Yet, it is used in the Philippines to refer to being abducted and ruthlessly killed. What an irony!
2. Brown-out/ Brownout
It has been used widely to refer to black-out or power shortage. Personally, I do not understand why the color brown was associated with having the lights out. Perhaps, it was a pun since we are brown-skinned. Well, maybe?
3. Xerox
A teacher or a classmate would often drop this term in more than one occasion most especially when the class is cramming for the finals. And though its supposed to mean have something photocopied, "xerox" has pretty much been an accepted term. FYI, Xerox is actually a proper noun.
4. Rubber Shoes
This term refers to what others would call "sneakers" or "trainers". I'm really not sure when we started using this word but I think it became a mainstream word since we basically have two pairs of shoes when we were in school, the one made of leather or what is referred to as "black shoes" and the other of rubber, thus rubber shoes.
In retrospect, I think most teachers then didn't particularly care if it was the right term so long as it made sense. I mean, come on, they just told you what kind of shoes you're supposed to use in your sports fest, "no confusion" has just been guaranteed!
5.Flute
We've been saying flute for a long time but we were merely referring to a recorder. You know, the really cutesy wind instrument Japanese kids bring when they go to school.
6. Gimmick
The word gimmick is a noun which actually pertains to something done to boost one's business, attract people, a publicity stunt, etc. However, in the Philippines, this word is used in an entirely different context. Gimmick or "gimik" refers to friends' night-out or trips. Though there are also occasions whereas the first meaning is used, I think it is safe to say that the second definition has been more used.
Just recently, I watched "Ang Pinaka" by Rovilson Fernandezon QTV. He was counting down the Filipino words that have just been included in the Oxford English Dictionary, gimmick made the cut with the second definition.
That's just it for now but if you can think of more words that fit this list, do let me know through the comment box. Thanks!
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, this word is defined as "the act of saving something (such as a building, a ship, or cargo) that is in danger of being completely destroyed". Yet, it is used in the Philippines to refer to being abducted and ruthlessly killed. What an irony!
2. Brown-out/ Brownout
It has been used widely to refer to black-out or power shortage. Personally, I do not understand why the color brown was associated with having the lights out. Perhaps, it was a pun since we are brown-skinned. Well, maybe?
3. Xerox
A teacher or a classmate would often drop this term in more than one occasion most especially when the class is cramming for the finals. And though its supposed to mean have something photocopied, "xerox" has pretty much been an accepted term. FYI, Xerox is actually a proper noun.
4. Rubber Shoes
This term refers to what others would call "sneakers" or "trainers". I'm really not sure when we started using this word but I think it became a mainstream word since we basically have two pairs of shoes when we were in school, the one made of leather or what is referred to as "black shoes" and the other of rubber, thus rubber shoes.
In retrospect, I think most teachers then didn't particularly care if it was the right term so long as it made sense. I mean, come on, they just told you what kind of shoes you're supposed to use in your sports fest, "no confusion" has just been guaranteed!
5.Flute
We've been saying flute for a long time but we were merely referring to a recorder. You know, the really cutesy wind instrument Japanese kids bring when they go to school.
6. Gimmick
The word gimmick is a noun which actually pertains to something done to boost one's business, attract people, a publicity stunt, etc. However, in the Philippines, this word is used in an entirely different context. Gimmick or "gimik" refers to friends' night-out or trips. Though there are also occasions whereas the first meaning is used, I think it is safe to say that the second definition has been more used.
Just recently, I watched "Ang Pinaka" by Rovilson Fernandezon QTV. He was counting down the Filipino words that have just been included in the Oxford English Dictionary, gimmick made the cut with the second definition.
That's just it for now but if you can think of more words that fit this list, do let me know through the comment box. Thanks!
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