Pinoy

Pinoy is a colloquial demonym used to refer to people from the Philippines. It is widely used by Filipinos themselves and by members of the Filipino diaspora to signal a shared national or cultural identity. The feminine form is Pinay; both terms are common in everyday speech, media, and online communities. In formal contexts, the official demonym is Filipino.

The origin of Pinoy is not tied to a single etymology, but it emerged in Philippine languages as a slang form with a distinctive phonology and suffix. It gained popularity in the late 20th century through entertainment, music, and youth culture, and remains widely used in various regions and communities today.

Pinoy is generally regarded as neutral or affectionate when used by Filipinos themselves. Some older speakers or formal writers may prefer the official term Filipino in formal contexts, while outsiders may use Pinoy to convey a relaxed, contemporary tone. The terms Pinay and Pinoy are gendered forms used for women and men, respectively, alongside the gender-neutral Filipino.

Demographically, the Philippines has a population of roughly 110 million people, with a large diaspora in North America, the Middle East, and other regions. Across borders, Pinoy identity often encompasses language diversity, cuisine, music, humor, and a sense of hospitality and resilience. In media and popular culture, Pinoy is used to label products, performances, and communities aimed at Filipino audiences.