Oxford English Dictionary Adds ‘Untranslatable’ Words From Around The World.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its ever-growing lexicon by adding a selection of “untranslatable” words—terms that do not have direct English equivalents but capture distinct cultural and emotional experiences.
Among the latest additions is gigil, a Tagalog word from the Philippines that describes an overwhelming feeling of affection so intense that it compels a person to clench their hands, grit their teeth, or even pinch the object of their admiration—whether a baby, a pet, or anything irresistibly cute.
Also making the list is alamak, a colloquial exclamation of surprise or outrage commonly used in Singapore and Malaysia.
The OED noted that borrowing words from other languages is a natural way for multilingual speakers to fill lexical gaps. When these borrowed words are used frequently enough, they become part of everyday vocabulary, enriching the English language.
A significant number of the newly added words from Singapore and Malaysia reflect the region’s deep love for food. These include:
– Kaya toast – a popular breakfast dish of toasted bread with a jam made from coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and pandan leaves.
– Fish head curry – a dish combining Chinese and South Indian influences, featuring a fish head cooked in a tamarind-based curry.
– Steamboat – a meal where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in a simmering broth at the table.
– Tapau – a word of Mandarin and Cantonese origin meaning “to take away” or “to package food to go.”
Several words from the Philippines also made the cut. Alongside gigil, the OED has now recognised videoke, the local adaptation of karaoke that includes a scoring system, and salakot, a lightweight, wide-brimmed hat traditionally worn by farmers.
The dictionary also acknowledges how English words can take on unique meanings in different cultures. For instance, in the Philippines, terror can be used to describe a particularly strict or demanding teacher.
The latest update also includes words and phrases from South Africa and Ireland, further highlighting the OED’s commitment to reflecting the diverse ways English is spoken worldwide.
With over 600,000 entries, the Oxford English Dictionary remains one of the most comprehensive records of the English language, continuously evolving to capture linguistic and cultural shifts across the globe.
