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OED Welcomes 'Gigil', 'Spice Bag', and More Global Words
about 1 year agoGB
The English language is constantly evolving, and the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially recognized this by adding a fresh batch of words from around the globe. This update highlights terms from Ireland, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Africa, many considered 'untranslatable' until their frequent use secured them a place in the English lexicon.
Key Insights
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Filipino Emotion:: 'Gigil' (pronounced ghee-gill) captures the intense, almost overwhelming urge to squeeze or pinch something incredibly cute.
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Irish Takeaway Staple:: 'Spice bag', a popular mix of chips, chicken, peppers, and spices, often served with curry sauce, now has official dictionary status.
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Southeast Asian Exclamations & Food:: 'Alamak' (Malaysia/Singapore) expresses surprise or dismay, while food terms like 'kaya toast', 'nasi lemak', 'lumpia', and 'otak-otak' reflect the region's culinary richness entering English vocabulary.
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Irish Approval & Embarrassment:: 'Class' is recognized as an adjective for general approval (popularized partly by *Derry Girls*), and 'morto' signifies extreme embarrassment.
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South African Expressions:: 'Yoh' is an exclamation for surprise or shock, and 'sharp-sharp' serves as a greeting, farewell, or compliment.
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Why this matters:: These additions demonstrate how English adapts, borrowing words to fill gaps and reflecting increased cultural exchange and the influence of global communities.
In-Depth Analysis
The OED's latest update showcases the dynamic nature of language. Many new entries are loanwords – terms adopted from other languages because English lacks a direct equivalent. As speakers use these words more frequently, they transition from foreign terms to accepted parts of English vocabulary.
This quarter's additions span various categories:
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Emotions: 'Gigil' provides a specific word for a complex feeling related to cuteness.
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Food Culture: The inclusion of 'spice bag' (Ireland), 'kaya toast' (Malaysia/Singapore), 'lumpia' (Philippines), 'fish head curry' (Malaysia/Singapore), 'ketupat', 'otak-otak', and 'nasi lemak' (Malaysia/Singapore) highlights how culinary terms often cross linguistic borders. 'Tapau' (Malaysia/Singapore), meaning to pack food for takeaway, is another example.
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Colloquialisms & Slang: Irish terms like 'to act the maggot' (behave foolishly), 'morto' (embarrassed), 'ludraman' (lazy person), and 'debs' (school formal) join the ranks. South Africa contributes 'yoh' and 'sharp-sharp'.
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Everyday Objects/Concepts: Philippine additions include 'videoke' (karaoke with scoring), 'salakot' (farmer's hat), 'sando' (sleeveless shirt), and 'CR' (comfort room/restroom).
The OED notes that some existing English words gain new, region-specific meanings, like 'terror' being used in the Philippines and Malaysia/Singapore to describe a strict teacher, or 'mineral' in Ireland referring to a soft drink. The inclusion of 'class' as an adjective, tracing its roots to Ireland and northern England, further illustrates this linguistic evolution.
FAQs
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Q: What does 'gigil' mean?
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A: It's a word from the Philippines' Tagalog language describing the intense urge to squeeze or pinch something overwhelmingly cute.
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Q: Where did the 'spice bag' originate?
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A: According to the OED, this Irish takeaway favourite was likely invented in a Dublin restaurant called Sunflower around 2006.
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Q: Are these the only new words added?
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A: No, this update includes words from various regions, including South Africa and Southeast Asia, as part of the OED's regular process of documenting language change.
Key Takeaways
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Language is alive and constantly borrowing – seeing words from Tagalog, Malay, Irish, and African languages enter the OED is proof.
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These words often reflect unique cultural concepts, foods, and social norms (like 'gigil', 'spice bag', or 'debs').
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Pay attention to the words used around you; new terms can emerge from various communities and gain widespread use.
Discussion
Which of these newly added words have you heard or used before? Are there other 'untranslatable' words you think should be in the dictionary? Let us know!
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of language trends!*
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