In every region in the world that speaks English, you’ll notice unique slang and quirky usage. These different ways of using English add to the language. Depending on the way you see it, Filipinos generally regard American English conventions and rules as their frame of reference for “correct” English, who’s to say the way(s) we use English isn’t (also) correct?The linguists and dictionary-makers can decide whether some of our more unique Filipino English terms and usage are (already) considered correct or not. Meanwhile, the rest of us non-experts just use them in daily life.

Here are 4 instances of Filipino English terms that can leave you nodding and giggling….

1. Pinoys have been heard saying “Good morning ma’amsir.” It can be pretty annoying sometimes when you certainly know you look like the gender you’re supposed to be and then to have someone call you a ma’amsir.
2. Pinoys have been seen spelling “homebody” as “home buddy.”Perhaps it’s not surprising that one of the friendliest people in the world have ascribed a context of friendship into the term “homebody,” transforming it into “home buddy” and making it mean, “a friend who likes to hang out at home”?
3. Pinoys have been heard saying “Nakahandanalahat. You have nothing to worry.”The line is usually with an “about” at the end, but if you’re in the Philippines and you forget the “about,” hey, no worries!
4. Pinoys have been heard saying “Na stuck-up yunggulongngsasakyansaputik.”Don’t let your eyebrows get stuck-up together (tee hee), but “stuck-up” means arrogant.

However, life is too short to constantly hate on this little quirk.  Onli in da Pilipins!

By: Ronald M. Juico