Was "Gigil" Added to the English Dictionary?
The claim that the Filipino word "gigil" has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has gained attention recently. This assertion is supported by various news articles and reports, which describe "gigil" as a term that encapsulates the intense feeling of wanting to squeeze or pinch something cute. However, the specifics surrounding this addition, including the context and implications, warrant a closer examination.
What We Know
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Definition of "Gigil": "Gigil" is a Tagalog word that describes an overwhelming feeling of cuteness that can provoke physical reactions, such as clenching one's hands or wanting to squeeze the object of affection 159.
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Inclusion in the OED: Multiple sources confirm that "gigil" is among 42 new words added to the Oxford English Dictionary, which includes terms borrowed from various languages that do not have direct English equivalents 346.
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Cultural Significance: The addition of "gigil" is noted as part of a broader recognition of Filipino language and culture, with the word joining other culturally significant terms in the OED 9.
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Publication Date: The announcement regarding the new words, including "gigil," was made in late March 2025, with various outlets reporting on it shortly thereafter 356.
Analysis
Source Evaluation
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Credibility of Sources: The sources cited include reputable news organizations such as the BBC, The New York Times, NBC News, and others. These outlets generally have a history of reliable reporting, which lends credibility to their claims about the inclusion of "gigil" in the OED 1356.
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Potential Bias: While the sources are credible, it is important to note that some articles may emphasize the cultural significance of the word to appeal to national pride among Filipinos. For example, articles from Filipino-focused outlets may present the inclusion as a triumph for Filipino language and culture, which could introduce a bias in the framing of the narrative 910.
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Conflicts of Interest: There do not appear to be any overt conflicts of interest in the reporting of this claim, as the sources are primarily news outlets rather than organizations with a vested interest in promoting the Filipino language.
Methodology and Evidence
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Methodology of Inclusion: The OED has a rigorous process for adding new words, which typically involves assessing the word's usage in written and spoken language. However, specific details about how "gigil" was evaluated for inclusion are not provided in the sources, leaving an opportunity for further inquiry into the criteria used for its acceptance 2.
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Supporting Evidence: The consistent reporting across multiple reputable sources supports the claim that "gigil" has been added to the OED. However, the lack of direct access to the OED's official announcement or database limits the ability to verify the claim independently.
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Contradicting Evidence: As of now, there are no credible sources contradicting the claim that "gigil" has been added to the OED. However, the absence of dissenting opinions could suggest a lack of comprehensive coverage or scrutiny regarding the OED's decision-making process.
What Additional Information Would Be Helpful
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Official OED Announcement: Access to the official announcement from the OED would provide definitive confirmation of the word's inclusion and the criteria used for its selection.
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Usage Examples: Examples of how "gigil" is being used in contemporary English would help illustrate its integration into the language.
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Expert Commentary: Insights from linguists or lexicographers on the significance of adding words from other languages to the OED could provide a deeper understanding of the implications of this addition.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "gigil" has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary is supported by multiple reputable sources, including major news outlets that confirm its inclusion among 42 new words. The term "gigil" captures a unique cultural concept from the Filipino language, highlighting the OED's ongoing efforts to incorporate words from diverse languages that enrich the English lexicon.
However, while the evidence from credible news sources is compelling, it is important to note that direct access to the OED's official announcement or database is lacking, which limits the ability to independently verify the claim. Additionally, the framing of the narrative may be influenced by cultural pride, particularly in Filipino-focused media, which could introduce a degree of bias.
Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and seek out primary sources when possible, as the landscape of language and its documentation is continually evolving.
