YEAR-END LIST | Five popular words in the Philippines in 2020

December 21, 2020 , 05:10 PM

By Paolo Mariano

Language is dynamic. It literally changes every year, with new words getting invented or familiar words getting re-emphasized because of the prevailing social landscape. This 2020, it was no surprise that “pandemic” was named Word of the Year by Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock—a rock with no Wi-Fi—the entire world is experiencing a COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of it, several related words and phrases suddenly became part of the regular lingo. “Social distancing,” “new normal,” “quarantine,” and “frontliners” are just a few examples. But here in the Philippines, naturally, other more colloquial ones became part of the daily vocabulary of Filipinos—whether in formal political forums or in um, less formal sari-sari store tsismisan conventions.

Here are five local words or phrases that became popular in the Philippines in 2020.

5. Naka-mute ka

If you didn’t go on Zoom this 2020, did 2020 even really happen? Zoom, the widely popular video conference platform, helped keep many Filipinos sane this year. With social gatherings limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, many resorted to virtual meetings, whether it is work-related or an alcohol-inspired “e-numan,” which became another trendy word this 2020.

But as with most forms of technology, Zoom also posed some challenges to Filipinos, albeit really, ehem, muted ones. The most common one is accidentally forgetting to turn off the mute button when speaking. The phrase “Naka-mute ka” became a frequent comment in many Zoom meetings. It got so common, it has now become a running joke. Some, however, still choose to just—wait for it—keep silent about it.

4. Mañanita

Last May, Filipinos got an instant Spanish lesson after then-National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Debold Sinas came under fire for celebrating a Voltes V-themed “mañanita” for his 55th birthday. Loosely translated, “mañanita” means a surprise birthday serenade. The unfamiliar term immediately caught the ear of many, although not in a good way.

Sinas earned the ire of the general public as his “mañanita” was a glaring violation of mass gathering restrictions. Strict guidelines were in place at that time with Metro Manila under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Following the much-vilified event, “mañanita” became part of the Pinoy vernacular for several months. But it didn’t hinder Sinas, who was absolved by President Rodrigo Duterte and was even promoted to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief.

3. Ayuda

Another buzzword in the Philippines this 2020 that has Spanish roots is “ayuda” or aid. The COVID-19 pandemic affected millions of Filipinos. Because of the strict lockdown rules, many couldn’t go to work and earn. Worse, some even lost their jobs entirely as a slew of businesses were forced to shut down. Good thing, many kind-hearted people were willing to give “ayuda.”

The government, charity groups, celebrities, and even local folk alike got their “ayuda” game on, donating cash, relief goods, cooked food, etc. to those affected. Frontliners also became main beneficiaries of “ayuda” as a show of gratitude for their sacrifice. At the height of the lockdown, “ayudas” came frequently, sometimes twice per month, helping many survive and try different flavors of pancit canton.

2. ECQ/MCQ/MECQ/GCQ/MGCQ

If you got confused by the 136745500 modes of quarantine the country had due to the COVID-19 pandemic, don’t worry, that’s part of the new normal. Only in the Philippines did various levels of lockdown felt like stages in a computer game. While it had noble intentions, the regular varying of terms only confused the public, regardless of the constant reminders of the government.

Just for the record, Metro Manila, Batangas, Davao City, Iligan, Iloilo City, Lanao del Sur, and Tacloban are still under GCQ or general community quarantine until December 31. Most of the country, meanwhile, is under MGCQ or modified general community quarantine. But enhanced, modified, modified enhanced, general, vitamin A fortified—it didn’t matter. Many still made their own Dalgona coffee.

A police officer mans a quarantine checkpoint amid the reimposed strict lockdown to curb COVID-19 infections, in Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines, August 5, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

1. Ambag

A word that was only usually uttered in drinking sessions or group projects in school has become the unofficial 2020 Word of the Year in the Philippines. Now, it feels like every Filipino should have an “ambag” or contribution as if it’s an exclusive secret ticket to heaven. Because of the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the checking of one’s “ambag” has become a favorite yet silly retort in social media.

It has also become a double-sided argument. When more temperate netizens ask for accountability or “ambag” from the government, supporters of the administration will quickly counter with the now all-too-familiar “E ikaw, ano ba ambag mo?” and vice versa. It just became a mindless meandering of opposing views. Ironically, it contributed nothing.

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