Quirky Indian English: Common phrases that baffle the dictionary

Indian English stands out with its unique cultural nuances and historical influences. One of the most fascinating aspects is the plethora of phrases and terms that pepper our conversations, often leaving non-Indians scratching their heads in confusion. These expressions add a distinct flavour to communication in the subcontinent.

Let’s take a look at some of these quintessentially Indian phrases that simply don’t exist in the standard English vocabulary.

“Chalta hai”

“Chalta hai” is a quintessential Indian phrase encapsulating a relaxed, laid-back attitude. Translating to “It’s okay” or “It’ll do” in English, this phrase reflects acceptance in the face of challenges. Whether it’s dealing with traffic jams, bureaucratic hurdles or minor inconveniences, “chalta hai” encapsulates the Indian philosophy of moving forward with equanimity.

“Jugaad”

In India, necessity truly is the mother of invention, and “jugaad” embodies this spirit of ingenious improvisation. Derived from Hindi, this term refers to the art of finding quick and innovative solutions to problems using limited resources. From jugaad vehicles crafted from spare parts to makeshift jugaad technology in rural areas, this term reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness deeply ingrained in Indian culture.

“Timepass”

In Indian English, “timepass” refers to engaging in activities purely for the sake of passing time, without any specific purpose or goal. It could be anything from gossiping with friends to watching mindless entertainment on television. While the concept of “timepass” may seem frivolous to some, in the hustle and bustle of life, it serves as a welcome respite from the daily grind.

“What’s your good name?”

In India, it’s not uncommon to hear this peculiar question when meeting someone for the first time. While it may sound odd to non-Indians, the phrase “What’s your good name?” is a polite way of asking for someone’s full name. It reflects a cultural emphasis on courtesy and respect in interpersonal interactions, where addressing someone by their full name is considered polite.

“Hinglish”

A vibrant fusion of Hindi and English, “Hinglish” is the lingua franca of urban India, blending the grammatical structure of English with the vocabulary and idioms of Hindi. From Bollywood dialogues peppered with English phrases to colloquial expressions like “timepass” and “mindblowing,” Hinglish seamlessly integrates elements of both languages, reflecting India’s multicultural identity.

“Eat my head”

In Indian English, the phrase “eat my head” is used to express annoyance or frustration when someone is bothering you with incessant chatter or demands. While it may sound somewhat gruesome to native English speakers, it’s a colourful way of conveying exasperation in Indian colloquialism.

“Passing out”

In India, “passing out” doesn’t refer to losing consciousness; rather, it denotes graduating from an educational institution, particularly from a military academy. So, if an Indian mentions “passing out,” rest assured we’re not talking about fainting!

“Out of station”

When an Indian says they’re “out of station,” it means they’re travelling or temporarily away from their usual place of residence. While it may sound quaint to non-Indians, it’s a common phrase used to indicate one’s absence from a particular location.

From the streets of Mumbai to the villages of Kerala, Indian English reflects the diverse mosaic of India’s linguistic landscape, blending tradition with modernity in a unique symphony.