Gigil: The new word in the dictionary for overwhelming cuteness

A new and exciting word has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary, and it is called 'gigil. ' This word comes from the Philippines and describes a very special feeling that many people experience when they see something or someone incredibly cute. For instance, when you come across a fluffy kitten or a baby, you might feel an overwhelming urge to squeeze or pinch them because they are just so adorable. The pronunciation of gigil is 'ghee-gill,' and it is part of a collection of words that are considered 'untranslatable' in English. This means that there is no direct English equivalent for these words, making them unique and special. The feeling of gigil is so intense that it can make us clench our hands or grit our teeth in excitement. This new addition to the dictionary highlights the beauty of language and how different cultures express emotions in their own ways. In addition to gigil, another word that has made its way into the dictionary is 'alamak. ' This term is commonly used in Singapore and Malaysia to express surprise or shock. The Oxford English Dictionary, often referred to as OED, has pointed out that it would be beneficial for English speakers to have specific words for certain experiences that do not have names in English. For example, they mentioned the lovely image of sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees, or the simple pleasure of sitting outside with a cold drink. People who speak multiple languages often borrow words from other languages to fill in the gaps in their vocabulary. When these borrowed words are used frequently, they eventually become a part of everyday language. A significant number of the new words added to the dictionary from Singapore and Malaysia are related to food, which reflects the strong culinary culture in these regions. For example, 'kaya toast' is a popular breakfast dish made from toasted bread spread with a sweet jam made from coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and pandan leaves. Another dish is 'fish head curry,' which combines Chinese and South Indian culinary traditions, featuring a large fish head cooked in a tangy tamarind-based curry. There is also 'steamboat,' a fun dining experience where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in a simmering pot of broth. The OED humorously noted that all this talk about food might inspire someone to order takeout or 'tapau,' a term borrowed from Mandarin and Cantonese that means to package food for takeaway. Besides gigil, the dictionary has also included other interesting words from the Philippines. One such word is 'videoke,' which refers to a popular activity similar to karaoke, where people sing along to music and receive scores for their performances. Another addition is 'salakot,' which is a wide-brimmed hat often worn by farmers to shield themselves from the sun. The OED has also recognized some unique uses of existing English words in the Philippines, such as the term 'terror,' which can describe a teacher who is particularly strict or demanding. The Oxford English Dictionary is one of the most comprehensive dictionaries in the English-speaking world, containing over 600,000 words. Each year, its editors consider thousands of new word suggestions from various sources, including their own reading, crowdsourcing efforts, and analysis of language databases. The latest update of the OED also included words and phrases from various cultures, showcasing the richness and diversity of language.