Word Nerd

Word Nerd : Kilig

Word Nerd Header Apr 2016 via LaWhimsykilig-definition-word-nerd-via-lawhimsyKilig is a Tagalog (Philippine) word that means to shiver; It’s butterflies in the stomach and that sweet rush of warmth and utter soul filling elation. Kilig – it’s one of those words that has no real English translatable equal and it’s almost a shame, because it’s such a wonderful and thrilling word. I mean, to shiver with delight or to have one’s heart ache with so much happiness and pure joy it feels as though it might burst at any moment – that is kilig. While it may relate perfectly to romantic situations, I feel kilig can and does apply to many of life’s experience.

feeling a sense of kilig at the start of a romance by LaWhimsyIn all my forays into the English language and it’s vast and ever expanding vocabulary, I have yet to come across a word that could so aptly describe a so all-consuming, gleeful, floating on cloud nine feeling. I want to be able to use kilig in a natural way, like “I’m feeling kilig today!” or “Talking with him makes me feel kilig – I’m crushing so hard!”.  I am sure kilig will now become a very steady part of my personal vocab and I want to share the word with everyone I meet!

kilig digital art collage by LaWhimsy

Share the word and let’s make kilig something to be known!

Namaste ~ Ella

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3 thoughts on “Word Nerd : Kilig”

  1. “KILIG”….It looks like you’ve explained all what it could mean… now how in the world do you use it in sentence?

    1. I suppose you could use it like “I am feeling so kilig right now.” when you are in a giddy, delighted mood. Since it is a Tagalog word it is more difficult to casually use in an English sentence.

  2. We Filipinos use it in an urban phrase: kilig much. It’s like a hip-ish way of announcing that you’re experiencing kilig.

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