13 Unique Phrases Only Used In India

We Indians have a whole dictionary of our own quaint, cute expressions or Indianisms that are not used anywhere else in the wide world, because we are like that only. Do you know them?

Illustrations: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

 

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

A Non-Veg Joke

An off-colour or dirty joke, not meant for delicate ears.

 

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Mom swear

Making a serious promise in your mother’s name.

 

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Your good name?

A literal translation of ‘Aapka shubh naam?’

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

A history sheeter

A person with several criminal offences against his or her name, derived from charge sheet and someone who has many of them.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Drop me a mail

We like to chitthi daalo and so we drop emails too!

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

When did you pass out?

Nothing frightening to do with going unconscious. It means you have graduated.

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Leave from the backside

To depart from the rear of a building/house. And not about your bum.

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

He is running 16

A complex one, it means he has turned 15 and is now working towards his 16th birthday, apparently swiftly.

 

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

He returned back

At least we know he isn’t returning forward.

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Don't eat my head

Literal translation of ‘Mera sir mat khao!’

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

You are looking a little pulled down

Anyone who has shed a few pounds now tragically looks pulled down.

 

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Any good news?

Nothing to do with latest television headlines or news tweets, but probably some old auntie is enquiring if you have a bun in the oven ie are pregnant.

 

 

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

He is not on his seat

No, he doesn’t squat on his chair normally, just that jagah par nahin hai.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com
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