Lobat is Word of the Year

By Romulo P. Baquiran, Jr., Filipinas Institute of Translation

“Lobat” is declared word of the year during the Sawikaan 2006: Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Salita ng Taon, an annual language conference sponsored by the Filipinas Institute of translation, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Blas F. Ople Foundation.

Sawikaan 2006 looked at the development of Filipino as a national language and focuses on new words or phrases that were popular in the local socio-cultural scene in the preceding year.

An article by Ateneo professor Jelson E. Capilos, “lobat” is chosen by the the conference participants as one of the five finalists that included “botox,” “toxic,” “spa,” and “orocan.” The
first runner up is “botox” by Dr. Luis Gatmaitan and second is “toxic” by UP instructor Michael Andrada.

“Lobat” made it as top choice because of its interesting and relevant review of literature, clear presentation, and the startling conclusion that Filipinos nowadays are much like the cellular
phones—the ubiquitous machines that symbolize modernity—that rely so much on the mini batteries that discharges energy in no time. Filipinos go “lobat” because of personal, social, and global pressures.

“Botox,” a brand name of a toxin injected into faces to erase wrinkles, easily made it as second choice, being popular among many beauty conscious Filipinos who can afford the expensive treatment.

“Toxic” refers to periods when operators in call centers receive excessive number of calls. Or it can be used as a tag to any irksome person, thing, or experience.

“Spa” of course is what you need when things go “lobat” or “toxic.”

“Orocan,” a plastic product brand, refers to hypocrites and liars.

The lone entry from Mindanao, “kudkod” refers to internet chatting, particularly the kind that aims to find a potential mate.

The other word of the year entriies include “chacha,” “birdflu,” “meningococemia,” “karir,” and “payreted.”

Now on its third year, Sawikaan is held at the University of the Philippines and attended by teachers, linguists, and students who come from all over the country. It aptly celebrates the
Buwan ng Wika.