What is “Balae” in English?

Today, one of my co-workers asked me if I knew the English word for “balae” (pronounced /ba-la-e/). I did a quick search—and found nothing. Apparently, English has no exact equivalent. The closest (and clunkiest) phrases we can use are:

Co-parent-in-law
Co-mother-in-law / co-father-in-law
My son’s mother-in-law / My daughter’s father-in-law

None of these roll off the tongue—or feel natural in conversation.

What is "Quirky" in Filipino?

Isang alternatibo ay hiramin na mismo ang salitang "quirky" at babayain na lamang sa Filipino; halimbawa, "kuwirki." Marami na namang mga Filipino ang gumagamit ng salitang ito. Sabi nga, "Common usage sometimes wins over prescriptive language."

What is "Binara" in English? Problems in Translating Tagalog Words in English

Some people look down on Tagalog and put English on a higher pedestal but I have sometimes found English lacking when it comes to translating specific terms and expressions in Tagalog.  Our language is closely tied to our culture, which is often adaptable, dynamic and I dare say quirky.  Tagalog, and perhaps other Philippine dialects as well, often assign multiple meanings to just one word that English does not often do.  For example, the expression “naman,” does not have a direct translation in English. In some cases, “naman” can mean “of course.”

For example:

Statement: “Ang ganda mo ngayon!” (You’re beautiful today)

Reply: “Naman!” (“Of course,” or “you said it!”)