The Oxford English Dictionary has officially added the uniquely Filipino word gigil to its growing list of global expressions, giving international recognition to a term that captures an intense emotional urge—usually driven by cuteness or excitement.
Described as a noun, gigil refers to the overwhelming feeling that makes you want to squeeze or pinch someone or something irresistibly adorable. But it’s not limited to sweetness overload—it can also express emotions like anger, eagerness, or extreme excitement.
Often heard in Filipino conversations, gigil now joins the dictionary’s category of “untranslatable” words, standing alongside regional expressions like Malaysia’s Alamak, South Africa’s Yoh, and Ireland’s Class—each capturing emotions that are hard to define in English.
Aside from gigil, the Oxford English Dictionary also welcomed other Filipino terms such as kababayan, Pinoy, lumpia, salakot, sando, CR, load, videoke, and terror—the last of which refers to a strict or intimidating teacher. The historical term Thomasite, which refers to American educators deployed in the Philippines during the U.S. colonial period, was also added.
