The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has recently expanded its lexicon with the addition of several intriguing words, including “gigil,” a Tagalog term that captures the overwhelming urge to squeeze something adorable. This update highlights the growing trend of incorporating untranslatable words from various languages into English.
Alongside gigil, the OED has also welcomed terms from Singapore and Malaysia, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of these regions. Understanding gigil is essential; it describes the intense feeling that compels individuals to clench their fists, grit their teeth, and pinch or squeeze something they find irresistibly cute. This word fills a gap in the English language, providing speakers with a specific term for a common yet complex feeling.
The OED’s inclusion of gigil emphasizes the importance of recognizing and naming emotions that may not have direct translations in English. In addition to gigil, the OED has also added “alamak,” a colloquial expression from Singapore and Malaysia that conveys surprise or outrage. These additions reflect the dictionary’s commitment to capturing the nuances of language and emotion across different cultures.
The latest update from the OED also features a variety of food-related terms from Singapore and Malaysia, highlighting the culinary passions of these nations. Among the newly added words are “kaya toast,” a beloved breakfast dish consisting of toasted bread spread with a sweet coconut jam, and “fish head curry,” a flavorful dish that merges Chinese and South Indian culinary traditions. Another addition, “steamboat,” refers to a communal dining experience where thinly sliced meats and vegetables are cooked in a simmering broth.
These food terms not only enrich the English language but also serve as a testament to the diverse culinary heritage of Southeast Asia. The OED notes that the prevalence of these food-related words showcases the cultural significance of cuisine in these regions. Additionally, the term “tapau,” derived from Mandarin and Cantonese, refers to the practice of packaging food for takeaway, further emphasizing the importance of food in everyday life.
The OED’s latest update also includes several words from the Philippines, reflecting the country’s vibrant culture. Among these is “videoke,” a local adaptation of karaoke that features a scoring system, making it a popular pastime. Another addition is “salakot,” a traditional wide-brimmed hat commonly worn by farmers in the Philippines. These words highlight the unique aspects of Filipino culture and lifestyle.
Furthermore, the OED has recognized idiosyncratic uses of existing English words, such as “terror,” which can describe a strict or demanding teacher in the Philippine context. This demonstrates how language evolves and adapts to reflect local customs and experiences.
The OED is one of the most comprehensive dictionaries in the English-speaking world, boasting over 600,000 entries. Its editors continually evaluate thousands of new word suggestions each year, sourced from their own reading, crowdsourcing efforts, and language database analyses. The recent update also includes contributions from South Africa and Ireland, showcasing the OED’s commitment to capturing the dynamic nature of language across different cultures and regions.
According to OED executive editor Danica Salazar, the addition of words like gigil reflects a broader trend of integrating untranslatable terms into English. “Wouldn’t it be useful for English speakers to have a specific word for sunlight dappling through leaves… Or a word for the action of sitting outside enjoying a beer?” Salazar said, emphasizing the practical need for such linguistic borrowings.
In South Africa, the OED has also added the expressive exclamation “Yoh!” which conveys a range of emotions, from surprise and wonder to admiration, shock, or distress. Another South African addition is “sharp-sharp,” a versatile term that serves as a casual way to say hello or goodbye, and has more recently been used to compliment someone’s style or describe something as excellent or impressive.
The majority of newly-added words to the OED are from Singapore and Malaysia, which reflect the nations' obsessions with food. The dictionary now includes dishes like “ketupat,” a small rice cake wrapped and boiled in woven palm leaves, “otak-otak,” a dish made of ground fish or seafood mixed with spices and coconut milk, and “nasi lemak,” a fragrant Malay rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf.
The inclusion of these diverse terms underscores the importance of food as a cultural touchstone and a means of connecting people across different backgrounds. The OED’s commitment to documenting these words illustrates the ever-evolving nature of language and its ability to adapt to the rich tapestry of human experience.
As the OED continues to grow and adapt, the integration of such terms not only enriches the English language but also fosters a greater understanding of the cultures from which they originate. This latest expansion serves as a reminder of the importance of language in bridging cultural gaps and celebrating the diversity of human expression.
In summary, the Oxford English Dictionary’s recent update, featuring words like gigil, alamak, and various culinary terms, highlights the ongoing evolution of language as it embraces untranslatable words from different cultures. This effort not only enhances the richness of English but also reflects the interconnectedness of our global society.
