Thursday, March 1, 2012

Madras Tamil or Madras bashai (Tamil: மெட்ராஸ் பாஷை)


Madras Tamil or Madras bashai (Tamil: மெட்ராஸ் பாஷை), is a type of mixed language spoken in the city of Chennai, India (previously known as Madras). It is a loose polyglot blend of Tamil and English, with loanwords from Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. The word bashai derives from the Sanskrit bhasha (language). The term therefore is Tamil for "Madras language"



Word/phraseMeaning in contextOrigin, usage
Aapu adchichu (ஆப்பு அடிச்சு)To result in failure.Tamil aapu (ஆப்பு) is a thin triangular wedge (usually made of metal) used in carpentry to split wood or hold half-split wood. adchichu(அடிச்சு) means to hit. So this phrase literally means "hit/split by a wedge" implying a failure
AaaKoa (ஆக்கோ)Over enthusiastic.Tamil aarva kolaaru (ஆர்வக் கோளாறு - over enthusiasm).
Adan kokka makka(அடாங் கொக்க மக்கா)"your sister's son or daughter".Tamil Ada un akka magan / magal
Aaf-Paayil (ஆஃப் பாயில்)Half-boiled egg. Vendhum vegathathu.English Half boiled
Aaleka (அலெகா)SmoothlyTamil Aazhaga (அழகா) (beautifully)
Aalinaal Alaguraaja(ஆலின்ஆல் அழகுராஜா)Jack of all arts.English All in all
Aathaadi (ஆத்தாடி)Oh my Lady!!.Tamil Aatha referring to mother;'di'is a suffix that is always added when referring to female while 'da' is used for males.
Aattaya poadrathu(ஆட்டய போடறது)...To steal. Usage "Avan Aattaya potutan" meaning "He Stole". Similar toAbase panradhu (அபேஸ் பண்றது)Tamil Madurai local slang.
Abase panradhuTo steal.English abase and Tamil panradhu (to do). Also used as English loot andTamil udradhu (உட்றது), sudradhu (சுடுறது) and amukardhu(அமுக்குறது).
Akkisht (அக்கிஸ்ட்)rogue, Accused, criminalEnglish Accused
A-haan (ஆஹாங்)yesEnglish A-Haa. (When one has just discovered or remembered something)
Ajakku (அஜக்கு)Eunuch.
Allakai' (அல்லக்கை)Similar To "Dhanda Soru" (தெண்ட சோறு)Use Less Fellow Tamil valathu kai
Alva kudukradhu'Act of deceiving,chicanery or cheating - done very smartly.Dialogue made famous by Tamil actor Sathyaraaj.English Leaving someone who believed in you helpless, in the hour of need.
Allo (அலோ)Hey, there...English hello. Used to draw attention. Original Tamil does not have the sound'Ha'
Annthanda po' (அந்தாண்ட போ)Go There (go that side)Tamil Athan andai po. (அதன் அண்டை போ)
Annaathe(அண்ணாத்தே)Elder brother.Tamil Annan (அண்ணன்)
Apeetu (அபீடு)To exit quickly/Vanish from the spot.Language English [abate-die away]
Appalae' (அப்பாலே)Afterwards, laterTamil appuram (அப்புறம்)
Asalta (அசால்டா)To do something very easily.Etymology not known for certain. Possibly from Hindi 'Aasaan' easy or from English(assault).
AshtanTo hit someone, or to steal something, or consume somethingFrom Tamil 'Aadi'. Example: "Parsa ashatu ottan!", or as in "Sarakku ashtu parthunindhaba"
AttuSynonym of "Dochhu", WasteAs is "Attu Figaru", "Attu Padam" Tamil asattai.
AttapodarduVulgar word for having sex with a girl or having intimate relation.
AyyeSaying "So?" in a derogatory way.From English 'Hey!", as in "Ayye, eppo innandre?" Tamil Iyo, Iyako
BaaduBreast/pimp/ PS : Often a "baeku" would mistake it to be a person who holds the lamp when the king and queen are having intimate sexual intercourse during the time of pregnancy.English 'Baadu' a corruption of Body. Possible English origin 'Baud' meaning pimp. Possible origin Telugu - 'Baadukov' pimp Hindi - 'Badwaa' pimp
BaamaayiluPalm oil.English Palm + English oil.
BalbuvututanDeath / Died.
Bucketurefers to the female who engages in 'kadalai'refers to the bucket used by vendors to sell the ground nuts in beaches to couples.
BagiluHip and region around it.Hindi bagal (underarm).
BajaariA loud, unruly woman, like a fish-seller.Urdu bazaar (market).
BandhaStylish
BatliDerogatory term for a woman.English From "bottle". A reference to a woman's hourglass shape. Used as "Batli maadi our figure"
BejaarNuisance or BoringEnglish language From "Badger" (Often irrirated)
BigiluWhistle.English Language From "Bugle" - taken most probably from the music of the army.
BaekuImbecile.Urdu bevkoof (stupid).
Baemani.(Beimaan in Urdu means a person who has no ethics/ scruples/ integrity and Beimaani means the trait of dishonesty)Urdu bae + imani (without + shame).
BigjangSomeone who wears Westernizedclothes and/or accessories, even sunglasses. Derogatory.Probably from the Hollywood western Django popular in the 1970s in Madras.
Biscothubigwig, usually sarcastically meant. Just as they say biskut for biscuit in Hindi.
BittuA small strip of pornographic/sexually suggestive scene that is run during the screening of a legitimate movie. Also refers to a strip of paper especially used for copying in exams.English bit
BhelPiilaTelling Lies.Unknown
BlayduBoring, worthless or uselessEnglish "blade".Example usage: "Dey, blaydu padam da" meaning "The film was a drag" or "A boring film"
BuddiSomeone who wears thick glasses. Derogatory.From soda buddi (soft drink bottle). Analogous to Coke bottom glasses.
Chinna VeeduConcubine
CertigaatuRefers to certificateDerived from the English word certificate.
DaarTornEnglish 'Tear'. Example usage: "Mavane, Daaraiyiduve"
DarrAfraid, tensedHindi 'Fear'. Example usage: "Darr aayittan"
DabbaJunk.Hindi dabba (box). Used in colloquial speech such as Dabba padam ("junk movie").
DabbuMoney.Telugu dabbu (money). See Also: Dabbu
DadaKingpin, ganglord, don.Hindi dada (literally "paternal grandfather", used as a term of respect among underworld crime families). **More apt would be Bengali "dada" (meaning "big brother" who lays the rules or dictates terms.
DhanksRefers to Thanks.Common reply from autorickshaw and taxi drivers. "Romba Dhanks Ba"
DumStamina, strength,Urdu dum breath. Also used for referring to smoking.
DumeelUntrue, false.Unknown. Could refer to the sound made by an explosion that leaves nothing behind, as does a false statement. See also: Reel
Dhanda SoruSimilar to "Allakai"useless Fellow
Dharma adiMerciless beating, usually by a group.Tamil dharma adi meaning just (as in justice) or destined beating. dharmam = charity/to donate. Dharma adi means free beating.
DhamathunduTiny.Tamil thundu means a 'part'. Dhama - Origins unknown- Very likely from idhO immaathhooNdu (idhO immattE in chaste Tamil) meaning ' Look here , only this small' with a gesture of hand
DhodaSynonym of 'Ayye',saying 'So?' in a belittling mannerLikely from Tamil idho da (here da), could be used effectively in humiliating manner in the midst of a conversation to ascertain authority over the counterpart in debate/conversation.
DhoolA superlative, as in "well done!" or "kick ass!".Likely from Hindi dhool (dust), referring to the dust cloud after a good ass-kicking. 'Dhool' is also used as 'Dhool kalappitai' where kalappitai refers to the action of starting or kicking up (dust).
DilChutzpah, guts, as in "Do you have the guts to step outside and fight like a man?!".Urdu dil (heart), metaphorically indicates "courage".
DitchuDrainage derived from English Ditch and spoken as Kawa
DochhuUnattractive Womanas in "Dochhu Figaru". Antonym of "Figaru"
DubaakourConsummate liar(Popularized by comedians Chinni Jayanth and Veeniraadai Moorthy)
Dumil udradhuActing Too Smart
DhudduMoney.Kannada duddu (money).
DingDongEgg mixed with gravy.Famous and delicious food item name in Triplicane. Sourced from South part of Tamil Nadu.
DommaiGlutton. Carefree.Origin uncertain (Gourmet?). Used mostly by college students.
EguruRun fast, Run away, Scold, Jump (Depends on the context)Telugu Eguru, as in "Macha, mama varaan, eguru" or "Sarkkadichi voottukku pona, engappa emmele egiritaruda" or "Egiri bus-le erittanda aven". egiRuthal in normal Tamil means to jump, bounce.
Es agurudhuTo escapeEnglish From first syllable of the English word 'escape'
Feelingu/Pheelingsadness. Also means love (usually used in a 'mushy-mushy' sense)English "Feelings", as in Emotions.
FigaruAttractive woman.English "figure", as in "Oru semma figaru varathu" meaning "An attractive woman is approaching." Note: Used in neuter gender.
Free-a-ViduLiterally "let it free". Figuratively, "let bygones be bygones". Pronounced as Pree-a-vudu.English "free".
GabbuStink, foul odour. Often used figuratively to describe situations, personalities etc.Telugu gabbu (stink, foul odor).
GaajjuSleazy, dirty.For example a Gaajju joke.
GaaliFinished, as in "He's finished!".Urdu khali meaning "empty" or "finished". Originally from Arabic.
Gaana paattuA subgenre of Tamil film music.Hindi gaana (song) + Tamil paattu (song). Used for songs with fast rhythmic beats.
Gaanduto irritate a personUsage "gaanda kelappathe". Gaand refers to butttocks in Hindi. See Also: Kaduppu
Galatta1. Fracas, brouhaha 2. Chaos 3. Celebration.Etymology not known for certain. Possibly from Turkey (Galata was asuburb of Istanbul known for its nightlife) or from English gala.
GalijuDirty, Can be used in any context. Widely used to refer to bit(matter)Kannada, meaning dirty.
Gandhi kannakkuFraudulent accounting.Before 1947, when India was fighting against British occupation, companies and individuals often included "Contribution to Freedom movement" as an item in accounting statements. Most often accounting statements would not tally because management funneled money out. "Contribution to Gandhi's freedom movement" provided an excellent means to account for the "missing" money. Hence the term "Gandhi Kanakku". One should apologise to Mahatma Gandhi as this term brings a small amount of disrepute to him, for no fault of his!!!
GapsaaDisinformation, lies.Connotes deliberate disinformation, as opposed to genuine misinformation. Usually refers to fundamental falsehoods, as opposed to lame excuses. Compare "reel", "peela". Most probably related to gabbu (stink), somparable to stinking lies.
GelichanHe won.Telugu gelupu (victory).
GethuSuper, Better than normal.Origin unknown
Gokka-Makka(Figuratively eq of) My goodness!Holy cow!, etcTamil Unga akka (your sister's) + makka (magan - son)
GilfansA person with a shady background(This word is of recent origin) GilfansSilfans etc have their etymological roots in comedian Chinni Jayanth's repository of words.
GilmaStrange stuffOne more from Chinni Jayanth
GilliTalented Person.Also called Ghilli, from a street game played with wooden sticks.
Godavula GudhiJump into the frayRoot - "Goda" from the Hindi word for a wrestling pit, "Gudhi" from Tamil meaning Jump
GoiyaA form of address similar to "Machi". But it can be interpreted as dumb or useless person also.Possibly from Tamil for 'guava'.
GoltiTelugu speaker. Can be derogatory.By reversing the consonants in "te-lu-gu" to give "gulti" or "golti"
GoodhalTrickery, fraudTamil goodhal (error, mistake). Usually derogatory, as in "He resorted to trickery to win that business deal".
GumbalBastardUsed in the context of 'Gumbaluku Porandhavane'
GumbalOda gOvindaUsually refers to situations like peer-pressure, or societal norms, where individual beliefs/actions are overridden by mass reaction. Also refers to insignificant individual contributions overlooked in a group.Tamil gumbal (crowd), Sanskrit gOvinda (name of Vishnu). Derived from the large crowds of pilgrims at Tirupati. Play on words gOvinda and the English go or gone.
GujjaalsPetting, making out.Tamil konjal (petting, excess affection).
GujiliYoung girl, usually attractive and easily availableinvented when there was a heavy influx of Gujaratis into Madras: Gujju + Kili = Gujili
Gum PaapaYoung girl, usually attractive (large breasted) and easily availableinvented when Indians went to the west and saw large breasted white skin females: Gum + Paapa = Gum Paapa also referred to as "Gumthaax"
GoindaUnexpected failure.
InglipeesuThe language 'English', usually in ridicule.Also called Ingleesu or Engleesu.
IppidikaaThis way.Origin Tamil from the word "Ippadi"
Iskoolliteral meaning of SchoolProbably in use due to ease for typical Tamil tongue to pronounce iskool. Similar words are Institute is pronounced as instoot, Excuse is pronounced as esoos or echoos
Isthukunu politeral meaning taking awayTelling some one to take it away or carrying it away
See also 'Vali'
Itta/Ittinnuva/IsthunuvaFetch (someone)Tamil izhuthu-kondu-vaa (Pull him over here). Also pronounced as "Ista"
Jaburu or Jabaradastu - Something similar tobandha - show off , acting pricey, like in " innaadaa jabardastu paNRE?"
from zabardast - Urdu meaning grand, extra ordinary, forceful
Jagaa vaangaradhuTo escape from the scene.Hindi jagah (space, room) and Tamil vaangaradhu (to buy, to get). Literally means "to get room [to escape]".
JalaaiTo have a bowel movementHindi Widely believed that a Hindi ignorant Tamil guy read the word written in Hindi, near the compartment toilet and misunderstood that "Jalaai" in Hindi meant "to shit". Apparently, the person had read "Inflammable objects not allowed" written as "Jalaaishi padaarth mana hai"
JalpuTo catch cold.Tamil jaladosham" saLippu" (N, common cold)
JalsaEnjoyprobably from Salsa, with its suggestive fast moves and close contact in life. Or from Urdu Jalsa which means something like a carnival.
JatkaaHindi-speaker, North Indian person. Derogatory.Hindi jhatkaa (cart, also sudden shock). Play of words Jat and Jhatkaa.
JoadreppaiCobbler.Possibly from Hindi joota (shoe) and English repair or from Tamil jodiEnglishrepair. (pair[of slippers]) and
Jollu VidurathuTo ogle at a girl.Literally means to drool. To look at a girl with open mouth that one does not realise the saliva dripping.
JootTo escape/hide/run/give the slip.Derived from the signal given in kid's games of Catch, or Hide and Seek - "Waitees" for pause, and "Jooties" for resume.
Jujube/jujupeeSmall, unimportant, easy or minuscule.Examples:1)"Ithu ellam jujupee velai"="This is such an easy (or unimportant) job. 2)"Ivan oru jujubee da"="He's just small fry (he can't do anything)
Origin possible from a type of candy that could have been available during the British era. Jujube now freely available in many countries for very small change.
Kaava VidradhuMisfielding an easy chance in cricket
KabodhiBlind. used in a derogative sense
KaamatiDumb fellow.unknown
KanjiUsed in good meaning for 'gruel' and also used in referring ' Semen'
KanpieceRefers to the English word confuse.Example : Don't Kanpiece me.., Machi romba kanpiece panadha da..
KD1. Petty crook. 2. An unusually intelligent criminal.3;Cunning personEnglish. Old Chennai police abbreviation for either "known delinquent", "known depredator" or "known defaulter" or "Known Denotified person".
KacheriDrinking party.Tamil kutcheri which is a traditional Tamil music concert. Derived as the party 'play' the mouth of the bottles with both hands like a naadaswaram(South Indian instrument like a saxophone)
KadalaiVerbal flirting.Tamil kadalaiverkadalai (nutgroundnut). Possibly from groundnut vendors who provided snack food to couples on the beach, or in trains. Connotes flirting without serious intentions. See Also: Batting
KalakaradhuTo impress with one's performance.Tamil, (to mix, to stir).
KalaaikkaradhuTo make fun of someone, or to belittle someoneAlso used as 'Kalasi', Example: "College pasanga kalasiduvanunge!"
KamnattiA clown or a jerk.An interesting off-shoot of classical Tamil, kamnatti derives from "KaimpeNdaati paiyan" which stands for a young widow's son, who is expected to grow up without parental guidance and hence a "kamnatti". Some say, it originated from English sahibs in TN addressing their kids as Come, naughty boy!!
KakkoosLavatory.origin maybe from the English word jacuzzi which was misunderstood as toilet and hence kakkoos
KasmaalamSynonymous with "idiot"(the idiot being a litote).Possibly from Sanskrit kash malam (black hair) or kash mailam (black dirt). Comparing someone with hair is considered rude in Tamil culture. Maalamis also a slang word for shit. Some say ' kasmalam' (one word) in Sanskrit means a dirty thing worthy of discarding.
KattaiReferring to a hot female.Tamil,Kattai (literally log of wood) - the sturdier higher quality wood can easily be distinguished by their distinctive curvy grain pattern.
KattaiReferring to some one who does not respond. Inert.Tamil,Kattai refers to wood. Comparable to sleeping/lying like a log.
KaidheDonkey.Derogatory word and derived from Kazhudai(donkey) in chaste Tamil
Kandukunu VarenI Will Meet Him And Come.Tamil Avarai sandhikiren
KenaiFool.Malayalam kenai (mad).
KeiviAn old Woman.Refers to an old woman. Derived from "Kizhavi" in chaste Tamil. Mostly used in a derogatory sense.
KepmaaRiInvariably goes with 'moLLa maaRi' and ' mudichchavikki' (this term literally means one who unties knots!!!)
Kozha adi sandaiMajor catfight.Tamil kozha adi sandai (water pump fight). Connotes fighting over who gets how much water and in what order.
KiithaaIs it there? used for objects, things etc eg: dabbu kiithaa? - is there any money?- irukkiRathaa? in chaste Tamil
Kiiraana/KiiraalaIs he/she there? used for people. eg: kabali kiiraana? - is kabali there? irukkiRanaa ? in chaste Tamil
KishnayilKerosene oil.(or) 'Krishayil' a colloquial probably due to saying "KeRoSeNe oil" quickly.
KondhivuduTo mix up the things in improper fashion or not aligned.Common usage in games like carroms, to spread the coins, use coinsa kondhivudu
KoothiFemale genitals, Cunt, Vagina (Derogatory and vulgar)Example - Poi Koothiya nakkuda!! Referring to 'Lick the cunt'
KottikaradhuTo eat shamelessly, especially if the food is free (OC food).Tamil kotta To pour/dump. Literally means to dump for oneself.
Kundhu"Sit down!"The reuse of an ancient Tamil word. In contemporary formal Tamil,utkaaral. Related to Kannada kuLithukoLLi (please sit down), ,Telugukoochandi
KuthuRevelryTamilTamil kuthu paattu (literally a song with punch!), as in dappaankuthu.
KuttiSynonymous with "figaru".Possibly from Malayalam kutti (young girl).
Laard LabakdassA person who thinks very highly of himself (without any solid basis for that assumption).English "lord"
LavadingobalDerogatory term.From the Hindi, Lavde Ka Baal, meaning pubic hair
LeevuHoliday.From English "leave", as in "leave of absence". Also used in formal business English as 'leave' (shortened form of leave of absence)
LolluBantering. Fussing.Tamil for the sound made by a dog (analogous to "bow wow" in English).
Lookku vudaradhuTo check someone out, especially if it's an attractive person.English "look" and Tamil vudaradhu (to let off, to flash). Implies a much shorter duration and less intensity than jollu vittufication or sight adichification.
LoosuCrazy.English "loose" as in screw-loose or nut-job. Also see "arai-loosu".
Loosule VuduLet it go.English "lose" as in Lose it or leave it be/ignore it".
LumpaaLump sum.English "Lump sum". Popularized by comedians Goundamani and Senthil.
Maal / MaaluAny kind of commission paid to middle men, also used to mean bribes/money. Usually followed vettu (maalu vettu - give commission/bribe). Urdu maal- saamaan- material.
MaamoolBribe paid to police man(Urdu-Hindi)Maamool = money.
MachiSynonymous with "dude", used in a positive sense.Tamil machinan, colloquial machan (wife's brother). Implies familiarity, cannot be used with strangers. See also maams.
MajaaFun(Hindi-Urdu) Mazaa = 'fun'.
Mama or Mameyrefers to either a policeman, pimp or a brahmin boy/man, depending on the context.Tamil mama = uncle. Not to be confused with maams.
Mama VeeduBrothel, barTamil for uncle's house. Usually the uncle's house was the main centre for a group of people to have a good time.
Mamirefers to either a brahmin girl/woman, or a middle-aged woman in general, depending on the context.Tamil for aunt.
Mamiyaar veedurefers to jail, police lock-upTamil maamiyaar = mother-in-law; veedu = house;.
Mangaattharefers to a 3-card game played on street by con-men to lure a passer-by to steal their money. Related phrases are 'Ulle-Veliye' (In-Out) refers to the sleight of hand that the card dealer uses to move the cards aroundRefers to the Queen of spades. (literal Tamil origin Mangal + Aatha = dark complexioned woman)
Maanjarefers to an additive added to make the kites string (also called Noolu) stronger, the additive is apparently a concotion of tar, glass pieces, dogs shit and battery covers. This additive when applied on the string makes the string strong for kite (called Banas) fights commonly referred to as Deal.The glass powdered based chemical used in kite strings used in deal fights in kite flying usage mamey deala innika banava ashcitunga.
Manjaa Sorurefers to a bravery of Men. Related phrases are 'Nenjula Manjaa soru irukaaa maaamu?? meaning i will beat the crap out of you so that i will bring your bile out of you. (which is yellow in colour hence Manja Soru - meaning Yellow rice - Bile)
MaramandaiWooden head.Tamil origin Maram + Mandai = Tree head.
MattaiTo become flat due to excessive intake of alcoholic tuff. Also used for Cricket bat.Example: paiyan over a sarakku adichitu mattai aayitanba!!.
MatteruRefers to an important happening/incident, eulogically referring to sex or Matter film or Blue Film.English Matter, as in "Enna matteru?" (What's the matter?), or "Enna machi, mattera?"
Massa massaRefers to a sooper figure whose body mass index is a little high and moves lazily.English "Full of mass"
Mayiru / MayiraandiLiterally refers to hair, but used to abuse a person 'as worthless as a hair-strand'.Mayir - Ancient Tamil for 'hair', "Poda Mayiru" or "Poda Mayiraandi" (Poda-Off you go, Mayir-hair, Aandi-loser)
MeteruBribe (used as a question mostly/surprise)Tamil --
MeyaalumaReally? (used as an exclamation of disbelief/surprise)Tamil Mey = Truth.
MokkaiSuperlative usage of "blaydu"This is a derivative of the word "Mokkaiyappar" who was a king, famous for his "blaydu" jokes.
MunimmaaRefers to a woman belonging to the lower economic strata - usually a slum dweller in urban Chennai.Antonym of Mary. Possibly (Sanskrit)Muni + Amma = ascetic lady.
Military hotelRestaurant that serves non-vegetarian food.The armed forces are thought to have fewer vegetarians than the general population.
NainaA secondary version of "dude", used to imply criticism.Telugu nana (father). Some Tamilians with Telegu ancestry use this term in their homes to address the father.
Nashta"Breakfast".Urdu nashta (light snacks). Also referred as 'Tiffin'. However tiffin could also mean evening snacks or any light meal.
Neataa"Straight". As in 'Appadiya neeataa weld pannu.'From the Tamil word "Neettum" meaning long. Probably because of the association of length with straigthness especially in machine shops.
Nijaar"Knickers or shorts". As in 'Nijaar kaituradhu.' meaning 'fucked'From the English word "Knickers".
(V)OthaTranslates to fuck in English. Highly derogatory.Tamil
OB adikaradhuTo waste time.OB is pronounced as the individual letters O and B. Etymology not known for certain. Possibly from "Off Beat", old British military term meaning "off duty". Also possibly from "Out of Business" or from "O'l Bhajanai" (local slang for "doing nothing").
OCFree, at no cost. (Could also mean Old Cask Rum at wine shops)From OCSIndian Railways abbreviation meaning "On Company Service". Parcels marked OCS travel free.Some say this is an abbreviation for Others' Cost!!
Superlative form of gumbal
OkkanchikkaTo sitDerived from the Tamil word 'Utkarunga'.okkachikkada, intha vantten!!
Oor OthavanePerson who has fooled large number of peopleExample:'oor otha naye'
Oor ThevidiyaProstitute who can approached by anyone belonging to that particular area.Example:'Poda oor Thevidiya'
OutteSame as "Gaali".English "out", used in the context of cricket or other sports.
OmboduVulgar term for 'Shemale' or 'Eunuch' or 'Castrate' also referred by word 'ali'(this word somewhat less vulgaric)
Paal mararadhuTo switch camps, to betray a confidence.Tamilpaal (milk) and mararadhu (to change). Implies a cow unexpectedly changing to a bull as one is milking it, with unwanted consequences.
Panni GumbalVulgar term for person who is born by intercourse with animals.Root Word: Gumbal...Example:'Poda #REDIRECT Panni Gumbal'
ParadesiExact meaning unknown, implies the recipient is a scoundrel.Hindipardesi (foreigner). Example usage, Paradesi naaye.Paradesi in chaste Tamil (from Sanskrit) means a foreigner but used colloquially for a beggar/ mendicant.
Parandhu parandhu adikkaradhuTo fight by jumping and flying in the airRefers to stunt wired moves made by heroes in local movies in street-fight scenes which feature impossible kicks and moves defying physics. (Lately the term 'Matrix stunt kudukkardhu' (offer Matrix-style stunts) has come to mean something similar)
ParshtufirstRoot "First" - English
ParuppuSomeone who thinks he's a big-shot.Tamil Paruppu (Dhal). See also 'Pista'. As protein-rich foods, they were costly, and were eaten fried as snack food in only the more well-to-do families. Slang of "clitoris" also.
PeelaPetty lie/ boast.Example: "Enna peela vudre?"
PeterMaryPersons of Tamil origin who speak Englishin preference to the Tamil language, especially if his intention is to impress others.Also Peter party. Also used to label those who consider Tamil infra dig, or those who speak it with a fake Western accent.
PhilimShow offFrom English "Film". Similar to Hindi Phillum!!
PirikromMotivational word that helps people gain confidence over whatever they are doing. Similar to "kalaka porom"Tamil "Pirikkardhu". To open something. Also can be used as "Pirikkanum", meaning we have to come out with flying colors.
PorambokkuUnoccupied, usually unusable or fallow land. Derogatively and dismissively, a person without identity, a nobody.Mispronunciation of 'Pembroke', as in Lord Pembroke, who stated that land belonging to no one would belong to the government.
PorulThing of importance. Sometimes alluded to a minor weapon (eg:pen knife)Origin: Tamil. Porul, which in a pure sense, refers to the content or inner meaning of a phrase or word.
PottalamGanjaOrigin: Tamil. A 'packet' made using, usually, news paper. Cheap Marijuana is usually sold in a news paper wrapped packet and is called 'pottalam' or 'potlam' ('potlam' is more of a Peter language). Hindi pOtli is equivalent of Tamil pottalam.
PistaLocal tycoon.Synonymous to Minor/Zamin(Zamindar) and Durai(White-man)
PundaiSame as koothi (Derogatory and vulgar)Example, Poda pundai nakki.. Meaning: One who licks cunt!!
RaseedhuReceipt of saleEnglish Receipt
Ravonduin small quantityFrom "Ravai" - Ground Semolina (Suji in Hindi)which is small in size.
ReelPitifully lame excuses.English reel of film from the era of 16 mm projectors. Sometimes an improperly mounted film reel would fall off the projector and run away, causing a garbled or distorted picture to be projected on screen while the operator chased the reel across the room and mounted it back. "Reel" therefore refers to an obviously implausible story. See also: "gapsaa", "peela", "philim"
Rousu udardhuShowing off, probably including challenging others. To arouse attention.English "to rouse".
RowdyRuffian.Indian term transliterated to English.
Rowdy-sheetThe rap sheet of a rowdy known to the police.
SarakkuRefers to Liquor, in a lesser sense, other illicit goods like drugs, and smuggled items.Sarakku: 'goods' in English.
SaamanRefers to either a weapon, most commonly a knife, OR genitals of a man. Could also mean general luggage, e.g., "Saaman erakki anga vei" meaning, "unload the luggage and stow it there"Hindi Saamaan: thing.
Saami padamAlso known as Matter padam, refers to a risque movieTo escape detection, the first few minutes of these movies usually depict devotional scenes.
SaathuLiterally slam.Commonly used by everyone to refer to hitting someone, or making a point as in 'appadi pottu saathu'. Also mostly used in 'Pottu Saathu'
SathalakadiLiterally Whore.Commonly used by men in a casual chat to refer a girl/women who does prostitution undercover. Similar to Soole.
SaavugraakiVerbal abuse against bad drivers.Possibly from Tamil saavu (death) and graaki (spurious buyer or peddler) giving "customer of Death".
Sallu, SalunnuFast, smooth, quick.Possibly from the blurring sound of something moving fast. Equivalent of English whirr/buzz.
SemmaVery (adj.)Tamil Semmai or Chemmai
Sappa MatterVery Easy Thing, Not interesting thing. Sappai/ Chappai in chaste Tamil is flat.Example Sappa Matter mama
Sightu AdikkaruthuAdmiring women from a distance, usually without the woman's knowledge.Sight English Adikarrathu Tamil
Sound udaradhu'Synonymous with Koral udaradhu = literally make too much 'Sound'/voice (Kural)Tamil udaradhu (release).
SoothuRefers to Arse.
SooleProstitute.Kannada soole=prostitute.
SothaiBad.Usage: "Adhu sothai figuru maamu!" Literally: decayed/damaged.
Super StarOriginally refers to Tamil Actor RajnikanthKnown for his distinctive style and screen presence. Similar emulatory names like "Shining Star", "Little Super Star" have been taken up by other actors in South India
SulphataCheap, strong and harmful liquor that may contain poisonous substances including copper Sulphatemethanol,formaldehyde and formic acid. Similar potions include 'chappi' and 'kalakkal.'Pronounced "sulphate aa" from Copper Sulphate, commonly present in such potions. From banned liquor that the rural poor hastily prepare by boiling (instead of fermenting) basic ingredients like rice gruel, along with a wide variety of organic substances, sometimes, even including tyres and petroleum.
SheedhiBlood From Female Clitoris during mensus.
Suthi VuttiyaA phrase commonly used by call centre employees who avoid taking calls by refreshing their positions in the list of people taking calls.
TakkaruSuperTelugu 'Takkari' - As in "Takkaru Figure ba" . Takkar in Urdu means Collision, confrontation.
Tevidiya PaiyaVulgar and demean word used most often by slum dwellers and locals for bawling out even for a simple reason. The Tamil equivalent of 'Son of a Prostitute'.Example: Andeengu votha thevidiyaa payya. Soothu nakki baadu. Naan panni pombala Vasantha Raj!!
ThamaashuFunny, comical eventUrdu 'Thamaashaa'ironically this means - is it comical ??
ThalaLiterally 'head' in Tamil. Used colloquially to address gang leaders. Now used in the same sense as 'dude'.From the movie 'Dheena', starring actor Ajith whose character is called as 'Thala' by his friends. This word is now used by many others in Tamil Nadu.
Tube lightPerson absent minded or not that shrewd. Refers to one who is not picking up things easily, or someone, who takes a bit of time to understand (like a tube light that flickers for a few seconds before lighting up).English Tube light .
UdhaaruTo lie. Exaggerate.Also see: reel, gapsaa
UshaaruTo be extra cautious. Hoshiyaar from Urdu.
Vali (Verb) as in 'ValchchukkO', 'strongaa vali'PullInterestingly, 'Vali' (Verb) in chaste Tamil itself means the same viz., 'Pull' (as in 'kaakkaay valippu' for epilepsy), though people normally prefer ' izhu'
Vennauseless personsynonymous with odavakarai. derived from the Tamil word "vennai" which means butter
VettiTo do nothing. To expend no energy and towards no end or means.Bayangara Vetti might mean a chronically lazy person.
Voodu kattrathuact of creating a prelude to a fight. to build a house (literal)Tamil 'veedu'(house) 'kattrathu'(to build). This procedure involves complex body movements and ends with a complete or partial prostration at the feet of the guru seeking his blessings before the duel.
YakkaaElder Sister, commonly used in reference to a female who is older than the speaker, not necessarily his/her sisterTamil 'Akkaa'
SokkaCommonly used with other words to say good. eg, like looks good - Sokka keethuTamil 'Nanraga'
YechakaleA person with no shameFrom the Tamil word for echchil kalai or echchil ilai, a banana leaf containing leftovers!
Dokapulihuttu fugure meaning ugly girlOrigin Unknown
VallaaroliOne who has sex with bats (Vovval)Mama's contribution
Eglapichu/DucklipicklySynonymous to Dokapuli
PannadaOne who takes the bad leaving behind the goodOriginal Tamil: Pannadai - a layer which filters bad elements from toddy in palm tree
Setup pannittanTo say that person was able to induce love from his girlfriend
Thanni KaataradhuTo cheat someone or escape from a person right under their noseExample : Police kitta thanni Kaateetu escape aaitan ba
Zhu suu
Derived from English 'Juice'