“Filipinoism”?

A lot of words that are considered “English” in the Philippines are actually not readily understandable by foreigners or non-Filipinos. It is a result of direct, literal translation from the Filipino language to English, and it is not always correct to do it that way. As call center agents we should practice more to be understood clearly by our customers and I got a partial list here that should help us avoid “Filipinoism” and improve on our communication skills.

Most common Filipinoisms:

Aircon – air conditioner; air-conditioning unit.
Already – literal translation of “na”.
Batches – use classes, teams, groups for people and batches for things.
Bottomless – refillable
C.R. or comfort room – restroom; toilet, washroom, men’s room or ladies room.
Come again – Pardon me?; could you say that again please?
Connected with – working with
Fall in line – Stand in line, form a line
Fetching – picking up someone
For a while – use Please hold; hold on (when speaking on the phone)
Go down – Get off; I’m getting off (from a vehicle)
I’ll go ahead – Goodbye; I have to go
Officemates – Co-workers; colleagues
Ref – Refrigerator; Fridge
Rubber shoes – Sneakers; trainers; running shoes

And my favorite: It’s so traffic! hehe.