Chancing

The concept of “making a move” in the sexual context is called panananching or “chancing”. It
means to take the “chance” to “cop a feel” and other sexual advances over someone who is most
likely not wanting the advances.

9. Maniac.
Merriam-Webster definition: someone who is violent and mentally ill.
Alternative Filipino meaning: [manyak] a pervert.

8. Tomboy.
Merriam-Webster definition: a girl who enjoys things that people think are more suited to boys.
Alternative Filipino meaning: a Lesbian.
“Tomboy” in the Philippines is commonly used for a homosexual female. In Canada, it could
simply mean a girl who prefers action figures over dolls

Cowboy.
Merriam-Webster definition:
Alternative Filipino meaning: [koboy] someone who is not fussy or nit-picky. Not MAARTE!

6. Racket.
Merriam-Webster definition: a lightweight implement that consists of a netting (as of nylon)
stretched in a usually oval open frame with a handle attached and that is used for striking the
ball or shuttlecock in various games.
Alternative Filipino meaning: [raket] a scheme or a plan, sometimes used for freelancing jobs.

Adidas.
Merriam-Webster doesn’t have this one, but we all know the brand’s iconic footwear, clothes
and accessories.
Alternative Filipino meaning: a street food consisting of grilled, marinated chicken feet. Sarap!

3. Feeler.
Merriam-Webster definition: a suggestion or question to find out the thoughts or opinions of
other people.
Alternative Filipino meaning: a person who is dramatically portraying or admiring themselves
in a certain way, sometimes irritating their peers. I.e. “feeling maganda/gwapo” — see also,
“feelingero/a”

Blooming.
Merriam-Webster definition: —used to make an angry or critical statement more forceful.
(Really? I thought it just meant petals of a flower coming out.)
Alternative Filipino meaning: when someone has a healthy glow about them and is looking
good, often because of a lifestyle change or growing into their features. I.e. “Have you been
hitting the gym, girl? Blooming ka!”

1. “Village”
US English: A small town, often rustic or remote.
Filipino English: The above, or a gated subdivision

“Fixer”
US English: Someone who takes care of things on your behalf, especially if they’re legally
dubious.
Filipino English: Someone (often paid) who helps you cut through red tape, especially for
government processes or applications

Cultural Adaptation: Filipinos have adapted the English

language to suit their cultural context and express their
unique identity. This includes the use of Filipino idioms,
expressions, and humor, which may not always align with
standard English usage. This adaptation allows Filipinos to
communicate more effectively within their cultural framework.

lot of its terms are borrowed from Philippine languages like Tagalog/Filipino, Bisaya,