Preface

Have you ever been overwhelmed by cuteness to the point where expressing your emotions became challenging? Thanks to the Oxford English Dictionary's continual updates, we now have the word 'gigil' to describe such moments. This term, along with other culturally significant words, enriches our language and cultural understanding.

Lazy bag

Gigil, from Tagalog, signifies the intense feeling of wanting to squeeze something due to its adorableness. It's one of many non-English words now in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Main Body

In the bustling world of language, where translation often loses the nuance of certain expressions, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has introduced words like 'gigil' that beautifully encapsulate universally relatable experiences. Gigil (pronounced ghee-gill) is a Tagalog word used to convey the overwhelming compulsion one feels around something exceedingly cute—whether it be a cuddly kitten or a child's irresistible smile. This word, now accessible to English speakers, fills a niche previously left vacant in the language.

This effort by the Oxford English Dictionary is part of a broader trend to incorporate 'untranslatable' words from other languages, enriching English vocabulary significantly. Among these, the word 'alamak' from Singapore and Malaysia has also been added. This term is commonly used to express surprise or slight outrage, exemplifying the collaborative nature of language evolution.

The linguistic gaps in English, especially when it comes to capturing subtle emotions and intricate actions, allow these borrowed words to thrive. Gigil joins other words from the Philippines such as 'videoke', a localized form of karaoke with a scoring system, and 'salakot', a wide-brimmed hat typically worn by farmers, reflecting specific cultural nuances and practices.

The influence of multiculturalism is also evident in words from Singapore and Malaysia, primarily associated with culinary delights reflecting their diverse food heritage. Words like 'kaya toast', a classic breakfast dish, and 'steamboat', a shared meal experience involving broth and various meats, are indicative of cultural obsessions.

Thanks to these words and more, the English language continues to evolve, offering speakers a richer tapestry of expression. Transliteration and the adoption of foreign terms into daily vernacular demonstrate the dynamic nature of language as it absorbs external influences and expands lexical boundaries.

Key Insights Table

Oxford English Dictionary's progressive inclusivity acknowledges that language is ever-evolving, and each word added brings with it a wealth of culture and context, reminding us of the beautiful intricacies languages encapsulate across the globe.