An informal term that refers to Filipino people in the Philippines, as well as members of the Filipino diaspora. The term’s etymology comes from the last four letters of the word Filipino with the addition of the suffix “y” in the Tagalog language, the first language of the Philippines. Carlos observes at one point in the novel that “Pinoy” is a common label for all Filipino immigrant workers in America.
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Pinoy Term Timeline in America Is in the Heart
The timeline below shows where the term Pinoy appears in America Is in the Heart. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 17
...officers seem unaffected by the murder, and a bystander tells Carlos that “they often shoot Pinoys like that.” Disturbed by the murder, Carlos nonetheless becomes excited when Macario enters the room....
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