What Did They Just Say?!

FILIPINOS are, at the very least, bilingual.  We grew up on English instruction but are taught one or two Filipino dialects at home.  We adjust well to the nuances, intonations, and accents not just of our language but of English as well.  

But despite this familiarity with English and Filipino, we frequently come across terms that sound alien.  Has this happened to you?  It seems like new words are added all the time and old words are now given new meaning!  

But the tea (meaning below) on this is … language continuously evolves.   It needs to “grow” to keep up with trends, new speakers, and changes in culture.  One way languages change over time is when old words are given new meanings.  For instance, we use the word “nice” to refer to someone kind or polite.  But in the past, being described as “nice” can be a bit of an insult as it used to mean “foolish” or “silly”.  

Migration and trade also influence how language evolves.  The English language alone has several loan words:  Kindergarten (German), and tsunami (Japanese).  Other languages do the same.  The word for vitamin in Korean is spelled “bitamin”. The Arabic word for mocha is “mwka”, which is borrowed by several cultures, including the French who spell it as “moka”.  

The most obvious is, of course, technology. We simply say “Google it!” to refer to an online search.  Other words such as email, webinar, malware, and app wouldn’t be in your childhood Merriam-Websters.

If you come from a generation of a certain age and haven’t caught on with the younger set on the terms they use, worry not! You aren’t alone.  Here are some of the terms you’ve been hearing:

FLEX – showing off (usually used when you want to flaunt your physique or  something you own)

FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out

GINALINGAN – Describes someone who goes beyond what’s required.

NAKAKAINIS KA – Literally means “I hate you”.  But today, it can mean the opposite.  Usually said by people who are close to you or someone who has developed special feelings for you, it can mean “I like you!” or “You interest me!” … (and thus can be the source of misunderstanding, so use with caution.)

PAK! GANERN! – a multifaceted slang word to describe almost anything from appreciation to amazement, to presenting yourself with humor.  

PUSH –  or Push mo yan can mean to give someone or something 100% support. It is used to encourage friends to give it a try and to take a risk.

SHOOKDT – an expression of disbelief (I am so shookdt!)

TEA – No longer just a hot beverage.  This evolved from the word “truth”.  Spill the tea / T can now mean spill the truth or the gossip. This began in African-American communities but was popularized by TV shows like the Real Housewives series.

WOKE – refers to the awareness of a person toward an issue. Used particularly for injustice and discrimination. “The youth are now woke when it comes to electing public officials.”   

These are the most common terms that leave the older and wiser generation stunned at times.  One thing’s for sure – language will continue to evolve as we do.  

Languages and cultures evolve.  So must everyone when it comes to careers.  Evolve with us! Take your career to new heights!

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NEARSOL is a US-based BPO and service company that offers clients custom-design solutions. It began operations in 2006 and has since gained a strong presence in the Latin American regions, the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific, winning many awards for quality and service along the way. Most recent of which is its Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition.

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