For years, a lot of people have used the nickname “The PI” when referring to the Philippines. Technically, this name was correct when the Philippines was under the control of either Spain or the United States. However, when the Philippines gained it’s Independence after World War II, the name of the country became the “Republic of the Philippines.”
The term “PI,” though, is still widely used. But, did you know that it is a term that is not much appreciated by many Filipinos? As it has been explained to me, this is because the term goes back to the years before the Philippines became a legitimate country of it’s own. It brings back memories of colonization, foreign control and unpleasant memories.
Personally, I have used the term “The PI” before, but I have not used it in many years, because a number of Filipinos have explained to me that it is not the proper term that should be used in naming the place.
So, what should the Philippines be called, properly?
“The Philippines”
“The Republic of the Philippines”
“The RP”
For me, I generally just say “The Philippines.” If I am writing, I will sometimes use “The RP” to abbreviate, though. Honestly, I have heard enough talk from Filipinos about “The PI” and heard their distaste for the term enough, that I never use the term any longer. When I hear others say it, or see people use the term in their comments on websites, I shudder a bit, because I feel bad about it.
That said, I have also heard Filipinos use the term “The PI” (although not very many of them). I would be interested in hearing comments from Filipinos on how they feel about this issue. Do you care if people say “The PI?” Do you say it? What is your preference of what people should call the country?
Hi Bob – I learned not to say "PI" from the evil eyes given to retired military ex-pat friends by Filipinos hearing the nickname. Another explanation (from relatives) falls along the lines you mention – colonial days' evils, etc. 🙁
I use "Philippines" and the nickname "Phils" to reference "home" as that's how the "folks back home" refer to their country. 😉
After all, when in Rome . . . . 😆
Very interesting post, Bob!
I was born in 1975, and the term wasn't too common in my generation. I did know the what the acronym stands for and the history behind it. I guess, it's primarily because my/our teachers from grade school to college never used the word. Also, I've never heard my parents nor my older siblings use the term to refer Phiippines. I/We mainly use the word the "Philippines". For the Republic of the Philippines, it's common in government schools and offices.
Actually the first time I heard it was when I attended a Filipino gathering in Flint, MI in 2001. I asked a 16 year-old girl if she was born in the US or not. When she said PI, I was bit surprise, not because of what it meant but it sounds like an oldish term. If she's over 50, I can understand. 🙂
I sort of compare it to the word "America". If I mean USA, either I use US or USA, never America.
I don't take offense though if somebody will use the term PI to refer Phils. To each his own. 🙂
I have noticed a lot of Filipinos using 'Pinas' to abbreviate Philipppines.
Hi Bob – When I was in the AF in the mid-eighties, the term was widely used by the Senior NCOs who had done one or more tours at Clark AFB. Many of those guys had married Pinay's and it seemed, for them, a term of endearment. Actually, I haven't ever heard it used outside of the older (now) retired military community. I think that's probably where many people picked it up. Times change and it will probably disappear from use as that generation passes on.
Hi Bob,
I am ambivalent towards this term (PI). What it tells me, though, is how old the person using it is. If I read it on a comment, I know the person writing it is older (65 and above). So, if you don't want people to know how old you really are, don't use it!!! 😆
HI Paul – I agree with you – when in Rome….
Hi Lea – Yes, it does appear to be an "older generation" thing, doesn't it? Mostly retired military crowd too. I know that for them it is a term of endearment, not meant to be critical or hostile to the Philippines, but it is viewed by some locals as a slap in the face to their country, so I never use the term.
Hi AmericanLola – Ha ha… I have a story about "Pinas" but I can't really tell it here. Next time I see you…
Hi RichardInSC – I agree on the origin of the name, very correct!
Hi Tina – Yeah… that's a way to make people stop using it. Nobody wants to give away that they are old already! 😆
I was told when visiting the first time that PH was the abbreviation for Philippines. I have seen that most often on web addresses but it sounds like no one really uses that. It's an easy shortcut for me. When speaking with others here in the States, I usually just say The Philippines and that gets the message across.
Personally I think The Philippines Islands sounds a lot nicer than Republic of the Philippines, especially if you are interested in promoting tourism.
Hi Randy C – I agree that "Philippine Islands" sounds more beautiful – an island group, it just sounds restful, beautiful, etc. However, I think that catch with some locals is that it does not convey that the Philippines is a nation of it's own now, not just a group of islands that is held by foreign countries.
I don't take offense at all when somebody refers to our country as PI. It simply means "Philippine Islands". I agree it's a nice name for the country. Anyway, "Pinas" is simply a shortcut for Pilipinas – tagalog word for Philippines.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the clarification. The first time I saw the abbreviation (PI) it was on a blog posted by a Foreigner and was stated as PEE EYE , I was not sure what to think of it, since then I have always wonder what it meant. I never use the term myself as I wanted to be sure what it meant before using it. I thought however it was referring to Philippino eyes, of which I think Asians have the most beautiful eyes.
Tony…..
Hi Bob,
I had never heard of the PI, I use RP; but a while back while IMing my Filipina gf, I used RP and she had no idea what I was talking about. There are seamingly so many differences for one island or maybe even province to the next that I just try to mimic the person I am talking to and hope I don't offend anyone. I will be in Tagum in 2 weeks, and I hope to spend one day in Davao/Samal island. Hope I can stop by and chat for a while. I want to try out one or two of those restuarants you mentioned also.
Richard D
Dear Bob Ive been reading your blog diligently since its inception. Since I plan on moving to the Philippines youve been the answer to my prayers. Thank you and the guest hosts for all your insightful observations.. There is one thing Im having a problem with. Sometimes if I dont get to read your daily blog I become anxious and depressed until I can get my fix. Thanks for helping me understand what I may expect upon my move.
Hi Joy – I am glad that it is not offensive to you. Pinas is good too…. and Pilipinas is not only Tagalog, but Bisaya too! 😉
Hi Tony – Happy to clarify that for you!
Hi Richard D – I am shocked that your IM mate didn't know what RP was, because it is widely used in the newspapers and such.
Hi John – Oh boy, you are experiencing classic signs of withdrawal! It reminds me to never miss a day of posting a column! 😆
i never ever use that therm. it's just doesn't sound right to me. it's not offensive though and generally harmless. it's just … ack.
i guess the closest thing i can compare it to is if you call san francisco the word "frisco" to a bay area local. shudder.
i never even heard PI used until i visited hawaii in '97 (there's that old US navy connection you mentioned) not a local term at all. RP, Pinas. that's what i use.
another thing that gets to me is when pinoys are labelled "pacific-islander" here in the states (some fil-ams make that mistake — hello cousins). we're asian, dang it. even had to argue this point to my then boss (coincidentally, was also hawaiian). ok, we're by the pacific and an archipelago… but so's japan, korea & australia.
Hi Bob,
Our cousins in San Diego uses that term, probably because their Dad is a retired navy.
I don't think it's offensive though.
Hi macky – Glad to hear that it doesn't feel offensive to you. I have had some local folks over the years tell me that the name offends them, though. It is nice to hear that the feeling is not universal. I know what you mean about "pacific islander" too. 😉
Hi Dex U. – Glad to hear!
hello bob and have a happy easter…. i didnt even know that the philippines was called PI…
Bob,
Good day to you and the rest of you avid readers. There are still many expats of all ages that refer to the Philippines as "PI" I hear that term at least 20 times a day. Personally when I write about it I abbreviate it by one of the country codes "PH" or "RP" I also use Phils as you would a corporation from here that has an office in the states i.e. MEL Farms, Phils, INC. But that depends to what/whom I am referring. I also use Pilipinas in conversations. Ha-ha usually to confuse the foreigner I am talking to.
Regards,
Mike K.
Rome is in the Phiippines????
darn publick skools !!!!
Im GUILTY and will change my ways.
How about the ways that RP people get under my skin:
Constant ChizMis
Bringing the Dam KARAOKE machine every time they come to our house
Just to name a few.
Hi athena – Nice to hear from you, and happy easter to you too!
Hi Mike K. – Ha ha… do you confuse many foreigners with that? 😆
Hi brian – I bet if there was a Rome here in the Philippines, it would be pronounced differently!
Hi Neal in RI – Yes, there are things that the people do here which are annoying, or make one uncomfortable. If you plan to live here, though, it will make life easier if you adjust to their culture as much as you can, and try to look the other way on the things that bother you. Just my bit of advice.
Neal in RI – I found that the karaoke machine doesn't accompany visitors when you ask them for help with the electricity bill! 😆
Bob – Perhaps, in the Philippines, Rome is pronounced, "MAH-LAH-KA-NYAHNG"! 😆 (Just kidding around, of course! In the USA, it's pronounced "WAH-SHING-TUN"!)
Hi Paul – 😆
Ha-ha, yea I confuse a lot of them. Specially when I throw some Cebuano into the conversation. 😆
Hi Mike K. – There is nothing that I enjoy more than a bunch of people are speaking in Bisaya, and I join in…. the looks of amazement are really something! 😆
I take my son a lot of places and the people always speak to him in English. He ignores them most of the time. Unless, I tell them he's Bisaya. 😆 They are always amazed because both of my boys have very white skin.
Hi Mike – Yeah, same situation with our kids too! 😉
I speak a good deal of Cebuano and Tagalog myself… I have a co-worker (American) here that has a tattoo of the Philippine flag with the words "Pinoy at Heart" 😆 Not a bad idea but, I wouldn't have gotten it in English if I were him.
Thank You,
Hi Mike – I love the Philippines, but I wouldn't go that far! 😯