Linguists and language enthusiasts often marvel at words from other languages that capture emotions or experiences that English cannot express with a single term. Oxford English Dictionary has now acknowledged this linguistic richness by adding 42 new words from various regions, including Southeast Asia, South Africa, and Ireland. Among them is gigil, a Tagalog word that describes the intense urge to squeeze something overwhelmingly cute, like a chubby-cheeked baby or a fluffy puppy.
Oxford defines these words as “lexicalized” in their original languages, meaning they convey a specific meaning that lacks an exact English equivalent. The decision to include them in the dictionary reflects the growing influence of multilingual speakers who effortlessly incorporate foreign words into their everyday English vocabulary. According to Danica Salazar, executive editor at Oxford English Dictionary, this process of borrowing words happens so frequently that some become a permanent part of English lexicon.
Gigil is not the only emotionally charged word in this update. Across cultures, people experience emotions that are difficult to translate directly. Languages develop words to express these unique sensations, which are often missing in English. By adopting such terms, English speakers not only expand their vocabulary but also gain insight into how different cultures perceive emotions and interactions.
The inclusion of these words reflects a broader linguistic trend where English adapts to global influences. Over centuries, it has borrowed countless words from Latin, French, German, and other languages. Today, with the world more connected than ever, words from non-European languages are gaining recognition. The Oxford English Dictionary’s update acknowledges that English is not an isolated linguistic entity but a constantly evolving language shaped by cultural exchange.
Some of the newly recognized words come from regions where English coexists with other languages. In the Philippines, where Tagalog and English are widely spoken, many Filipinos use gigil in their conversations without translating it. The same applies to words from other linguistic communities. People seamlessly integrate these terms into their speech, recognizing that no English word captures their precise meaning.
By adding gigil and similar words, Oxford English Dictionary highlights how language evolves based on lived experiences. Expressions that once belonged to a single culture now resonate globally, shaping the way people communicate emotions. The dictionary’s recognition of these words validates their significance and ensures they are preserved for future generations.
Borrowing words from other languages is not new, but today’s digital world accelerates this process. Social media, streaming platforms, and global conversations introduce people to foreign expressions that they quickly adopt. The way people interact with language is no longer confined to their immediate surroundings. A single viral video or tweet can introduce a new word to millions, making it part of everyday discourse.
Beyond gigil, the Oxford English Dictionary update includes words that reflect specific cultural experiences. Some describe traditional practices, while others capture emotions or actions that lack a direct English equivalent. Each word tells a story about the people who use it, offering a glimpse into their worldview.
The decision to recognize these words acknowledges the multicultural reality of modern English. It validates the experiences of bilingual and multilingual speakers who switch between languages, sometimes finding that one language expresses a feeling more accurately than another. The growing presence of such words in English signals a shift toward a more inclusive linguistic landscape.
As English continues to evolve, it will inevitably absorb more foreign words. What was once considered “untranslatable” may soon become commonplace. Language, after all, reflects human experience, and as cultures interact, their words travel across borders, enriching communication. The Oxford English Dictionary’s latest update is a testament to this ongoing transformation, celebrating the beauty of linguistic diversity.
The adoption of foreign words into English also reflects a deeper cultural appreciation. When English speakers embrace words like gigil, they acknowledge the richness of other languages and their ability to capture feelings that English alone cannot fully express. This process strengthens cultural connections and broadens perspectives, allowing people to relate to emotions and experiences outside their own linguistic framework.
This trend is not limited to just spoken language. Writers, filmmakers, and artists frequently incorporate non-English words into their work, sometimes without translating them. These words carry cultural weight and evoke emotions that might otherwise be lost. For instance, Japanese words like tsundoku (the habit of buying books but never reading them) and wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection) have gained popularity worldwide. Similarly, German words like schadenfreude (pleasure derived from someone else’s misfortune) have become part of global vocabulary.
The inclusion of such words in dictionaries also helps preserve languages that might otherwise fade due to globalization. By documenting and acknowledging them, institutions like the Oxford English Dictionary ensure that these words remain in use and continue to be understood. It also allows people from different backgrounds to connect with languages that may not be their own but still resonate with their experiences.
As the world becomes more interconnected, language barriers continue to blur. What was once considered niche or region-specific now finds its place in everyday conversations across continents. The acceptance of gigil and similar words into English is just another step in the ongoing evolution of language—a reminder that words, like the emotions they describe, know no boundaries.