6 more English words that only make sense in Filipino

Filipino English is now its own brand | Photo by Ave Calvar on Unsplash+

Filipinos are practically bilingual at best, with how widespread the usage of English is in the country (not to mention how ubiquitous the Filipino people are in the world, even). So it’s no surprise that the creativity of our English usage is endless.

Here are a few more English words that will only make sense in the Filipino context.

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1. In fairness

The correct phrase should be “to be fair” or “in all fairness to [something/somebody],” but Filipinos just stick with “in fairness.”

It’s usually used to preface a compliment (or maybe a backhanded compliment) after some form of criticism.

Example:

“It took them so long to serve the food.”

“Pero in fairness, it was good.”

2. For a while

Often used when you’re putting someone on hold or asking them to wait a moment.

Example:

“Can I speak to John?”

“For a while.”

3. Rubber shoes

Because sneakers, running shoes, or trainers often have rubber soles, the term “rubber shoes” have become a sort of catch-all term for these types of footwear.

Example: Susan said she’ll be out buying rubber shoes for her son today.

4. Salvage

In English, to salvage something means to save or rescue something from a bad situation. However, in Filipino, salvage is understood in a more negative light, as it’s taken to refer to extrajudicial killing or summary execution.

Example: Political activists were among the many salvage victims during martial law.

5. Carnap

This term traces its origins from “kidnap” but instead of a child being held hostage or “stolen,” it’s a car or vehicle.

Example: “We should be careful, I hear carnapping is rampant these days.”

6. SLR

Here’s a more modern internet term: SLR. No, it isn’t about cameras. It’s short for “sorry, late reply.” Although it’s in English, this concept of apologizing for a late response—enough to warrant its own acronym—seems uniquely Filipino.

Example: “SLR. I was driving.”