Filipinism is words or phrases that may look correct in usage but are grammatically wrong in translations. It is common when Filipinos translate Tagalog to the English language using the word by word translation. Actually, Filipinism can be the actions practiced in only in the Philippines, but for now, we will talk about Filipinism regarding words and phrases that are common and should be corrected. It is grammatically wrong in English and a native speaker might misunderstand you or find you weird. And for English native speakers that are reading this, hope this helps you better understand some people when you encountered a Filipinism. But hey, most Filipinos are very good in the English language. It is used in daily life. School, work, and different daily situations. But some grammatical errors cannot be avoided no matter how accurate it sounds. This blog is to help Filipinos communicate better and help them minimize grammatical errors. This is not to shame my fellowmen or my country. I, too, have been using some Filipinism and sometimes it really can't be helped but it is not detrimental to want to speak better English, right?
So let's start:
Filipinism: "Can you repeat that again one more time?"
Right phrase: "Can you repeat that?" , "Would you please say that again?"
Explanation: It is redundant. 'Again', 'One more time', and 'repeat' means the same thing. No need to use different words with the same meaning.
Filipinism: Fill up this form
Right phrase: FIll out this form
Explanation: "fill-up' means to make one thing completely full. Like up up the glasses, Fill up the tank. Fill-out is what's used in surveys, answering questionnaires or form.
Filipinism:Fall in line
Right phrase: Line up
Explanation: This phrase is not recognized in British or American English
Filipinism: Carnapper
Right phrase: Car thief
Explanation: Filipinos associate this with "kidnapper" but English speakers use "Car thief" instead of "carnapper".
Filipinism: Open/ Close the lights/TV
Right phrase: Turn on/Turn off the lights/TV
Explanation: Opening is when you need to repair the appliance. You open it up with screwdrivers and such but when you just need to use it, turn it on.
Filipinism: Tuck out your shirt
Right phrase: Untuck your shirt
Explanation: This phrase is not recognized in British or American English
Filipinism: No parking on both sides.
Right phrase: No parking in either side
Explanations: It's absurd. How can one occupy two sides at the same time?
Filipinism: Pass by my office.
Right phrase: Drop by my office.
Explanation: 'Pass' means to go through or to move in a direction without stopping.
Filipinism: You will have a free gift.
Right phrase: You will have a free item. You will have a gift.
Explanation: Gifts are free and 'free ' means you won't have to pay for it. So, it's illogical.
Filipinism: Let's come to the concert.
Right Phrase: Let's go to the concert.
Explanation: Come shows the movement from afar going near you and "go" is the movement going far from where you are. Just like, come here and go there.
Filipinism: Aircon
Right Word/s: Air-conditioner / AC
Explanation: the word is not recognized by British and American speakers
Filipinism: CR
Right word/s: Restroom, Bathroom, Toilet, shower room.
Explanation: The word is not recognized by native English speakers
Filipinism: Ref
Right word/s: Refrigerator, Fridge
Explanation: Ref is the short term for referee so they will be confused when you use this word in reference to refrigerator/fridge.
Filipinism: Paul is dead, he was salvaged.
Right Phrase: He was killed.
Explanation: salvaged means the opposite. Savage means to save from being harmed. Filipinos use this because in the derivation of the word "salbahe" (which means "abusive" or naughty) in the word "Salvaje" (which means wild) in Spanish. And it was turned into "sinalbahe" which means "violated". So many Filipinos use "salvage" when they refer to someone that was violated abusively. And it has become part of Urban Filipino Dictionaries.
These are common Filipinism that Filipinos use. And because of the consistent habit of using it, they seem to be acceptable to Filipinos but they may be confusing to native English speakers.
Thanks for reading! If there are other FIlipinism I forgot to include, comment them down below. I'll consider editing my article and include them.
Much love
Jdine
Filipinism:Fall in line
Right phrase: Line up
Explanation: This phrase is not recognized in British or American English