Celebrating 7 Oxford Pinoy Words

Did you know that several Pinoy terms and expressions have made their way into the Oxford English Dictionary? Because these embody our warmth, creativity, and strong family ties. So we’ve listed 7 Oxford Pinoy words that collectively reflect the heart of the Philippines.

1. Mabuhay

This is one of the most welcoming Oxford Pinoy words and is commonly used to express joy and excitement. While there is no direct translation, it commonly means “long life” or “cheers.” This encapsulates Pinoy hospitality and is often heard during celebrations or when we greet guests with open arms.

2. Balikbayan

In conjunction with the previous word, balikbayan refers to a Filipino returning home after living abroad. It highlights how important family and community are, as they often bring gifts from their travels to reconnect with their roots. Hence, the balikbayan box! 

3. Halo-halo

This is perhaps the most iconic Pinoy dessert and reflects how creative we are in food prep. Halo-halo directly translates to “mix-mix” and is a colorful blend of crushed ice, fruits, jelly, and sweet beans. Other recipes include ice cream on top! So in the summer, you can spot vendors and restaurants selling so much of these.

4. Sari-sari store

This is a small, neighborhood shop that sells everything from snacks to toiletries. So you’ll find one anywhere in the country! As one of the most recognizable Oxford Pinoy words, not only does it represent our sense of community; it highlights the significance of local businesses in daily life. 

5. Suki

In business or the service industry as a whole, we’re known to make personal connections with others. So in a sari-sari store, you’ll find a suki: frequent customers or those that just hang around with the owner(s). They are usually loyal for various reasons, either positive or negative. 

6. KKB

This acronym means “kanya-kanyang bayad,” or in English, “each one pays for themselves.” This term is often used when friends or family agree to split the bill at a meal. So this is our way of practicing fairness and practicality in social settings. 

7. Kikay

Think of someone who has a great sense of fashion and keeps us with the latest style trends. That’s a kikay person! So this word captures our fun and creative side, especially since we try to stay on top of the latest trends. Bonus if we’re the ones who started said trends!

READ: 7 Deep Pinoy Words To Enrich Your Vocabulary

These Oxford Pinoy words capture our spirit—vibrant, practical, and deeply rooted in personal relationships. And because they’re written in a huge, well-known publication, these expressions bridge culture and put our heritage on a global scale.