Tabo, KKB, Pulutan + More: Filipino Words and Phrases in the Oxford Dictionary

We've heard about English words inspired by Tagalog, but did you know some Filipino words have been inducted into the English dictionary? That's right. These are words that have made it into the Oxford English Dictionary. Around 40 Filipino words are recognized by the dictionary, like important cultural words like barong and balikbayan, but even our unique Filipino-isms were acknowledged, like KKB and kikay.

So, in honor of our unique brand of English, here are 20 curious Filipino words and phrases recognized in the Oxford English Dictionary. Just in time for Buwan ng Wika.

Also read:
10 English Phrases Only Filipinos Use In a Specific Way
"Result in" or "Result to": Is It Time for Philippine English to be Accepted?
Mama Mo: This Timeless Insult Is Over 3,500 Years Old

Check out some of the Filipino Words in the Oxford English Dictionary:

High blood

Definition: Stressed or annoyed. In reference to having high blood pressure. 
Used in a sentence: "You're making me high blood, anak."

Sari-sari store

Definition: Filipino corner store. 
Used in a sentence: "You can get anything at the sari-sari store."

Estafa

Definition: Criminal offense of swindling. 
Used in a sentence: "He's going to jail for committing estafa."

Despedida

Definition: A farewell party. 
Used in a sentence: "I'm bringing cake to her despedida."

Carnap

Definition: To steal a car. 
Used in a sentence: "His brand new Tesla was carnapped."

Halo-halo

Definition: A delicious Filipino summertime dessert.
Used in a sentence: "Summer is the best time for halo-halo."

Utang na loob

Definition: An emotional debt to someone who helped you.
Used in a sentence: "I help my parents whenever I can because of utang na loob."

Comfort room

Definition: The bathroom. 
Used in a sentence: "Is there a comfort room nearby?"

KKB

Definition: Acronym for "kanya-kanyang bayad," in which friends or family pay for themselves. In other worse, splitting the bill. 
Used in a sentence: "Let's go to dinner, but the bill is KKB."

Pandesal

Definition: A delicious, pillowy bread common in the Philippines.  
Used in a sentence: "I want pandesal for breakfast."

Suki

Definition: A regular customer or client. 
Used in a sentence: "I used to always go to his store. I was his suki back then."

Presidentiable

Definition: Someone who is in the running for president or possesses presidential traits.
Used in a sentence: "She was truly presidentiable."

Baon

Definition: Packed lunch. 
Used in a sentence: "My baon is better than any takeout from a fast food restaurant."

Mani-pedi

Definition: A manicure and pedicure.
Used in a sentence: "I'm in dire need of a mani-pedi."

Dirty kitchen

Definition: A secondary kitchen used for the bulk of the cooking. 
Used in a sentence: "We do most of the work in the dirty kitchen. The main kitchen is just for display."

Kikay

Definition: A stylist person who likes to follow trends.
Used in a sentence: "She's so kikay. She's always on top of trends."

Gimmick

Definition: A night out with friends.
Used in a sentence: "We had a crazy gimmick last night."

Batchmate

Definition: Someone who shares the same year (high school or college batch) as you. 
Used in a sentence: "Keanu Reeves and I were batchmates."

Pulutan

Definition: Appetizers to accompany alcohol.
Used in a sentence: "Where's the pulutan? Every shot needs pulutan."

Tabo 

Definition: A handheld plastic tub used for cleaning and bathing. 
Used in a sentence: "I want to go home. Why are there no tabos in America?