May 31 2008

Filipino English

Published by cebuano

I am compiling a list of English words used by Filipinos where the meaning has been changed.  Some changes are minor and some are almost opposite in meaning.

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Fancy – Fake

In Filipino use it is generally only understood as an adjective and is often used to refer to cheap imitation jewelry.  “That is just fancy”

When used an adjective in English meanings includes highly decorated, executed with skill, superior quality, excessive or exorbitant price or a special breed. 

Salvage – To Murder someone

In Filipino use it is used as a Verb to describe murder of someone as in he was “He was salvaged” 

In English it usually refers to the recovery of something after it has been subject to some loss such as recovery of a ship, crew or cargo after a shipwreck.   It is the act of saving imperiled property from loss or refers to the property to be saved.

Slang – Any accent not understood by a Filipino

If someone has an accent or pronounces a word in a way that is not understood by a Filipino they will say “your so slang”. 

In English slang are actual Words and expressions used by a particular culture or sub-group that are not considered part of the formal language. At the very least slang is not appropriate for formal occasions and is often vituperative or vulgar. 

Note: It is ironic that everyday Filipino language is full of slang terms which make it harder for us to learn.  A Filipino will not accept the English definition of slang. 

PLEASE ADD TO THIS LIST BY SUBMITTING VIA THE COMMENT FACILITY BELOW

2 Responses to “Filipino English”

  1. # Jonny R. McT.on 14 Jun 2008 at 9:14 am

    Commute - The act of taking public transportation

    In Philippine English, the act of commuting means to exclusively take public transportation.

    In general English usage however, to commute refers usually just to people travelling to and from something, in many cases to their workplaces.

  2. # Jonny R. McT.on 14 Jun 2008 at 9:17 am

    Rubber Shoes - Sneakers (U.S. English), Runners (U.K. English), Trainers

    In Filipino usage, sneakers are referred to as ‘rubber shoes’.

    In U.S. English they are known as sneakers generally or runners in the British Isles or as a pair of trainers in more general English usage.

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