10 English Phrases Only Filipinos Use In a Specific Way
Dasurv.
(SPOT.ph) It’s no secret that the majority of Filipinos speak English well. In fact, we speak it so well that we’ve managed to create an entirely new language out of it: Philippine English. Salvage, comfort room, and takeout are classic examples of this, but what about English phrases that we’ve started to use in everyday language, like “as in” and “for a while”? This is what we call Filipinism.
Filipinism are colloquialisms or idiomatic expressions that have been localized in the Philippines. Often, Filipinisms are the literal translations of Filipino phrases. They may not always align with standard English usage, but they hold specific meanings that only make sense within the Filipino context.
Here's a breakdown for each of our favorite phrases.
Also read: "Result in" or "Result to": Is It Time for Philippine English to be Accepted?
10 Filipinism phrases Filipinos love using
In fairness
“In fairness” is used to acknowledge or give credit to something or someone, even if not in complete agreement with the person. It's like saying "to be fair" or "honestly." It could also be used to express awe or surprise. Hosts like Vice Ganda in “It’s Showtime” have used it several times to compliment a contestant’s performance on the show.
In standard English, it might be understood as referring to equality or impartiality.
Actually
“Actually” is often used as a filler word or to start a sentence, similar to "um" or "you know." From Ruffa Gutierrez to Kristine Hermosa, think of all the celebrities who start answering Fast Talk questions with “Actually, Tito Boy…”
However, this might offend other English speakers. For non-Filipinos, saying “actually" is used to correct someone or to emphasize the truth of a statement and overusing it as a filler word can be seen as rude.
As in
“As in” is widely used as an expression to emphasize a point, akin to how Filipinos use “seriously.” Bonus points if "as in" was thrown in with a deep tone and voice to really drive the point home.
In English, it is not typically used as a standalone phrase and might be confusing without context. Used with context, it is often brought up to introduce or explain further: “She said she wanted a bat, as in the sports equipment, not the animal.”
Feeling close
“Feeling close” refers to someone acting too familiar or friendly without having a close relationship, especially when they start to become touchy. Filipinos like to shorten it to "FC." Bubble Gang has an entire comedic skit about a character who is “feeling close” to everyone in the workplace.
The phrase isn't really used in standard English unless it’s a phrase in a fuller sentence.
Gets
"Gets" is a very Filipino way of saying "I understand." It can also be used in a question—“gets?”—to confirm someone’s understanding of something.
In standard English, someone might say "got it?" or "do you get it?" instead.
Also read: 10 Filipino Words That Just Can't Be Translated Properly
For a while
“For a while” is often used on the phone or in service establishments to ask someone to wait for a short period of time. It’s a direct translation of “sandali lang.” Think of all those Jollibee drive-through cashiers that say “for a while lang po” when you follow up on an order.
On the other hand, it refers to unspecified length of time in standard English, which could take very long without certainty. The Filipino usage is more immediate.
If ever
“If ever” is used to express a possibility or a condition, similar to "if" or "in case." Grammatically, it is considered redundant in English since using "if" alone can convey the same meaning.
Remember that old but classic song “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” covered by Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga in My Big Love? Yeah, it would essentially mean the same if you removed “ever” from the title, but it wouldn’t hit the same.
No offense
“No offense” is used before or after a statement that might be considered rude or critical to soften the blow. Its usage is almost the same in English, but Filipinos love to overuse this one more than what is usual.
The phrase is also negatively used to shield anything that comes after so the person isn’t made allowed to feel upset over what was said: “No offense, but…” We’ve all had that one friend or classmate that has used “brutal honesty” as an excuse to be mean.
Give chance to others
You may have heard “give chance to others” in elementary school. It’s a plea or request to allow others an opportunity, often used in class recitation, games, or when taking turns. Remember when Manny Pacquiao told Sara Duterte to give chance to others for the presidential spot in the national elections?
In standard English, the proper phrasing for this is “give others a chance.” Regardless of the structure, this phrase is a lot more direct and specific in the Filipino context.
Deserve
“Deserve” is often used on its own to express sympathy or agreement that someone deserves something good or bad. It’s a lot like the Filipino version of karma.
In standard English, it is typically used in a full sentence, specifying what someone deserves. Filipinos have been overusing other variations like “dasurb” and “dasurv” long before the internet turned it into a slang.
Also read: 10 Pinoy Slang Words We Said in the '90s, Translated