Kilig
Giddy, Fluttering Romantic Excitement (Filipino)
Standard Definition:
The delightful thrill of attraction, the heart-fluttering sensation of being near someone you admire.
Poetic Meaning:
The spark in the chest, the rush of a first glance, the electricity of love before it is known.
Storytelling Etymology:
In the Filipino language, Kilig captures the breathless, joyful anticipation of love in its earliest stages. It is the feeling of butterflies in the stomach, the nervous laughter before a confession, the racing heartbeat when a name is spoken.
Cultural Context & Symbolism:
Often used to describe the magic of first love, crushes, and romantic tension, Kilig is celebrated in Filipino literature, music, and film. It is the essence of young, innocent love—the kind that makes the world feel a little brighter.
Poem:
Laughter caught between the lips,
A touch, a glance, the brush of fingertips.
The air is lighter, time stands still,
This is love, this is Kilig.
Reflection:
Love is not always deep and profound—sometimes, it is light, exhilarating, and intoxicatingly sweet. Kilig reminds us of the joy in the early moments, the thrill of love before it has even begun.
