As Indians, we’re all guilty of using some of these popular phrases at some point or the other, and they can really make other people go WTHeyy?! These Indianisms define us. Sure, most are incorrect when you think of “pure” English and sound absolutely hilarious, but who cares? At least they reflect our unique flavour! Here are our top picks of things only Indians say. Enjoy! :-)
Not a soda, not an aerated drink. We drink only “cold” drinks.
We don’t like to travel. We like going out of station.
Shubh naam, anyone?
You mean: ‘Excuse me!’?
NO!
This one we love - makes total sense (and should officially be added to the Oxford English Dictionary) :-)
Er, no. We’re not talking about R-rated stuff. It’s usually shop signage that proudly declares this.
Contrary to popular belief, proposed should only only be used in reference to marriage - and not when you’re asking someone out.
Go ahead, tell us a dirty joke!
She means she got her period.
This one is left over from our schooldays.
The babas decided our fate here.
We like plurality in our locks, yes.
The “back” is redundant, but we like to emphasize it anyway. And “revert” sounds so much more sombre and official than plain old “reply”, doesn’t it?
More emphasizing.
This one we love. Totally sums up our feelings about over-enthusiastic people. But why cutlet?!
All of us are SO guilty of this. *Childhood nostalgia*
Meaning: Have you lost weight?
Translation: Are you pregnant yet?
You mean switch off, right?
Because if you say “no”, the other person’s gotta say “yes”, no?
Enjoying what, we ask?
Because, you know, in many countries it rains indoors.
’Cos “only” can be added to everything!
Or some TP.
We don’t like asking about plans. We need a full programme.
Sunglasses, people, it’s sunglasses.
As opposed to our “real” sisters and “real” brothers. (Which is also a very Indian thing to say!)