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iling

shaking of the head in denial/disapproval

noun verb I-ling Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Iling is the culturally specific gesture and the word for it: a slow side-to-side shake of the head indicating 'no', disagreement, or mild disapproval. It is the natural counterpart to 'tango' (nodding yes), and 'umiling' is the verb form.

Examples

Beginner

" Umiling siya nang mahina. "

Natural Translation

He/She shook his/her head weakly.

Literal Translation

Shook-head he/she weakly.

Intermediate

" Umiling siya nang tanungin kung gusto niya ang alok. "

Natural Translation

He/She shook his/her head when asked if he/she liked the offer.

Literal Translation

Shook-head he/she when asked if like he/she the offer.

Advanced

" Sa halip na sumagot, isang malungkot na iling lamang ang ibinigay niya bago tuluyang umalis. "

Natural Translation

Instead of answering, she only gave a sad shake of the head before finally leaving.

Literal Translation

In place that answer, one sad shake-of-head only the gave she before completely left.

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