Discover ‘Gigil’: The Filipino Term for Overwhelming Cuteness Now in the Oxford Dictionary 

The English language continually evolves, embracing terms from diverse cultures to articulate experiences that previously lacked precise expressions. One such recent addition to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is the Filipino term “gigil.” This Tagalog word encapsulates a universal yet nuanced emotion, now officially recognized in the English lexicon.  

Understanding ‘Gigil’

Pronounced ghee-gill, “gigil” refers to an intense feeling triggered by various emotions such as anger, eagerness, or the overwhelming pleasure of encountering someone or something irresistibly cute or adorable. This sensation often manifests physically through actions like tightly clenching one’s hands, gritting teeth, trembling, or the urge to pinch or squeeze the object of affection.

In Filipino culture, “gigil” is commonly used to describe the compulsion to pinch a chubby baby’s cheeks or squeeze a fluffy puppy due to their undeniable cuteness. It’s a term that encapsulates the physical expression of emotions that are otherwise challenging to convey in words. 

‘Gigil’ and the Phenomenon of Cute Aggression

Psychologists have identified a related concept known as “cute aggression,” which describes the paradoxical urge to exhibit aggressive behaviours, such as squeezing or pinching, in response to something exceptionally cute. This reaction is believed to stem from an overwhelming sense of positive emotion that the brain attempts to regulate by expressing a contrasting, mildly aggressive response.  

The Inclusion of ‘Gigil’ in the Oxford English Dictionary

The OED’s decision to incorporate “gigil” reflects the dynamic nature of the English language and its capacity to adopt terms that capture culturally unique yet universally relatable experiences. The dictionary defines “gigil” as:

“An intense feeling caused by anger, eagerness, or the pleasure of seeing someone or something cute or adorable, typically physically manifested by the tight clenching of hands, gritting of teeth, trembling of the body, or the pinching or squeezing of the person or thing causing this emotion.”  

This inclusion not only enriches the English vocabulary but also acknowledges the cultural significance of the term within Filipino society.

Other Cultural Terms Added to the OED

Alongside “gigil,” the OED’s recent update features several other culturally significant terms, such as: 

• Alamak: A colloquial exclamation used in Singapore and Malaysia to express surprise or outrage. 
• Utepils: A Norwegian term describing the act of enjoying a beer outdoors. 
• Komorebi: A Japanese word that refers to sunlight filtering through leaves. 

These additions underscore the OED’s commitment to embracing linguistic diversity and capturing the richness of human experience across cultures.  

Embracing Linguistic Diversity

The adoption of words like “gigil” into the English language highlights the importance of linguistic diversity and the value of cross-cultural exchange. By integrating such terms, English speakers gain access to a broader spectrum of expressions, enabling more precise and empathetic communication. 

As language continues to evolve, the inclusion of culturally specific words fosters greater understanding and appreciation of the myriad ways humans experience and articulate emotions. 

Have you ever experienced “gigil” when encountering something irresistibly cute? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!