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Rediff.com  » Getahead » 10 words we want to see in the English dictionary, right now!

10 words we want to see in the English dictionary, right now!

Last updated on: June 23, 2016 08:55 IST
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Almost everyone uses these words.

Don't you think it's high time they found a mention in the baap of all dictionaries?

Badtameez movie still

In June 2015, around 240 Indian words -- including keema, papad and churidar -- found their well-deserved place in the Oxford Dictionary.

We look at 10 such words which should be included in this year's list. 

Badtameez

When badmash was included in the Oxford Dictionary in 2004, we were certain that badtameez would make an appearance soon. Alas! Our wait was in vain.

Badtameez is used as often as badmash, so we don't see any reason why it should not find a place in the English dictionary.

Badtameez is a popular Hindi word and is used to refer to 'someone who has bad manners or misbehaves'.

And it certainly reminds us of the dishy Ranbir Kapoor grooving to Badtameez dil in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. What about you?

Jhol

Indians are famous across the world for the jhol they do.

While it is a much loved Bambaiya slang, it's very popular abroad too. 

Surprisingly, this word, which means 'mischief', still hasn't found a place in the English dictionary.

Well, if bindass could make its way into the Oxford Dictionary, why not jhol?

Ghanta

It has different meanings.

Ghanta means a 'bell' but it is also used whenever you want to express disapproval for anything, especially if you want to say that someone is trying to trick you.  

For example: Ghanta! Tujhe kuch pata nahi (You don't know a thing!)

Sanskari

If this word makes it, we are certain Babuji will be very pleased.

When someone has traditional values, then he/she is called sanskari.

Thappad

'Thappad se darr nahi lagta sahab, pyaar se lagta hai (A slap does not frighten me; love does).'  

Sonakshi Sinha made this dialogue famous, but when will thappad (slap) make the dictionary cut?

Rakhi

No! We are not talking about Ms Sawant. We are talking about the thread a sister ties on her brother's hand on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

While Raksha Bandhan has been mentioned in the Oxford Dictionary, rakhi is yet to make its presence felt.

Khatara

When something is of no use, we often refer to it as khatara, don't we?

For example, a khatara gadi (useless vehicle).

Not English enough to feature in the Oxford Dictionary? We don't think so! 

Kharcha paani

'Khopche me leke karcha paani de daal (Take him in a corner and rough him up).' Mumbaikars will be well-acquainted with this phrase.

Kharcha pani means 'expenses' and, in the sentence above, it means 'to be roughed up.' 

When you want something from someone, they'll always ask for kharcha paani (a tip or a bribe).

Vaela

Almost every student who has finished his/her exams is vaela.

Students love this word.

It is used to refer to someone who is jobless or free or idle.

Chinta

It means to 'worry' or 'bother'.

When a mother is worried that her son is jobless, her neighbours will say, 'Chinta mat karo, uske jaldi naukari mil jayegi (Do not worry. Your son will get a job soon).' 

When a wife is worried that her husband has not reached home on time, she says, 'Badi chinta ho rahi hain (I am very worried).'

How many of these words do you use every day?

Have more words you think should qualify to the English Dictionary? Tell us in the message board below.

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Lead image used for representational purposes only. Image: Chandler Hummell/Creative Commons

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